SouthseaScene

Frida Kahlo’s legendary style, lust for life, men, women, politics and her Mexican heritage has made her a ubiquitous feminist icon and style muse to generations. But what do we know of her as an artist?  Frida Kahlo was a prolific self-portraitist who used the canvas as a mirror through all stages of her vivid, turbulent and, at times, tragic life. Guided by the artist’s own words this personal and intimate film offers privileged and detailed access to her work, shining a light on the artistic talent so often over looked in accounts of her dramatic life. Frida in Blue Dress © Nickolas Muray Photo Archives “I never paint dreams or nightmares. I paint my own reality” Frida Kahlo #EOSFridaKahlo Featuring interviews with world-renowned Kahlo curators, EXHIBITION ON SCREEN explores the extraordinary symbolism and themes in Frida Kahlo’s paintings. We examine her omnipresent self-portraits but also her less well-known works resulting in a feast of vibrancy and colour on-screen. Deeply m...

We live in extraordinary times and we know that over recent months some may have had more time on your hands than usual. You might have spent this time reading novels, catching up with gardening or perhaps you have been watching films? If you have enjoyed watching films – or you’d like an excuse to watch more - you might be interested in our new online film club ar The Spring. Launched last week on Wednesday 3 June, the film club is a chance to discuss some films and delve into the plots, characters, and cinematic techniques. It’s an excuse to watch some specially chosen (and free to view) films and think about them in new ways, in conversations led by some local experts and film fans. Like their successful online book group, The Spring’s online Film Club will be hosted on Zoom. Simply choose which event you would like to join and book your free ticket online (or by clicking the links below). A few days before the event you will be sent a link to the Zoom event so you can join in. The ...

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre in Havant has been awarded a £57,100 National Lottery grant through the Heritage Lottery Fund to record and celebrate the history of Havant and Waterlooville Football Club. The project will tell the story of the club since the merger of Havant FC and Waterlooville FC in 1998 and also track the development of football in the borough following the formation of Havant FC in 1883. The stories of fans, staff and players will be collected by volunteers and used to create a book and short documentary film to be premiered at The Spring. A group of young people will also be mentored by film production company Millstream Productions to make a second film focusing on Havant and Waterlooville’s famous FA Cup run ten years ago when the club received national attention after twice taking the lead at Anfield, home of five times European Champions Liverpool. The documentary films will feature as part of a temporary exhibition in The Spring’s mezzanine in e...

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre is feeling green-fingered this February with its Glorious Garden Family Festival. Get involved in some of the opportunities taking place across Havant Borough and help your family have fun, get creative and get their imaginations growing! First, why not pick up one of the 1000 free craft packs available now from libraries and community venues across the borough. The packs contain everything your child will need to make their very own flying friend at home – will they make a bumblebee, a ladybird or a butterfly? Then, why not pop-in to one of The Spring’s ‘A Bug’s Party’ garden pop-ups? They are perfect for a fun family afternoon out - shrink down to bug size and get busy like a bee, wiggle like a worm or spin like a spider to celebrate the garden’s Queen Bee! These events are free for everyone and there is no need to book in advance – just come along at any time and stay as long as you like. The events are 2-4pm each day on: Saturday 10 February...

The Spring in Havant is getting geared up for Christmas with a range of festive shows, and we are assured that there is something for everyone! This year The Spring is putting on two special festive shows – one for the adults, and one for the children. A Christmas Carol and Cabaret takes place from Wednesday 14 December – Friday 16 December, and is a night strictly for the adults to enjoy! Each evening, there will be a performance of A Christmas Carol by the hilarious (and slightly rude) Living Spit, plus a cabaret performance from a different artist each night before and after the show. The Spring will be turned into a winter wonderland, with festive food from Tilly the Tram outside, Christmas cocktails, and even some bauble-making! This year, The Spring has commissioned their very first Christmas family show exclusively for Havant, with the talented Commotion Dance. The show, Where is Christmas? is an enchanting, immersive performance for little ones aged 7 and under...

The Spring in Havant is getting geared up for Christmas with a range of festive shows, and we are sure that there is something for everyone! This year The Spring is putting on two special festive shows – one for the adults, and one for the children. A Christmas Carol and Cabaret takes place from Wednesday 14 December – Friday 16 December, and is a night strictly for the adults to enjoy! Each evening, there will be a performance of A Christmas Carol by the hilarious (and slightly rude) Living Spit, plus a cabaret performance from a different artist each night before and after the show. We will be turning The Spring into our very own winter wonderland, with festive food from Tilly the Tram outside, Christmas cocktails, and even some bauble-making! This year, we are very excited to announce that we have commissioned our very first Christmas family show exclusively for Havant, with the talented Commotion Dance. The show, Where is Christmas? is an enchanting, immersive performan...

TV historian Saul David comes to The Spring The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre is delighted to welcome Professor Saul David to speak about his latest book, Operation Thunderbolt. It’s now 40 years since the daring rescue of the hostages trapped on Air France flight 139, which was forced to land at Entebbe in Uganda – then under the dictatorship of Idi Amin. The Israeli military mounted a complex but ultimately successful operation to free the hostages, who numbered more than 100. Saul David is a historian, broadcaster and critically-acclaimed writer. Born in Monmouth, he began his education at a tiny school where half of the pupils were his cousins. He traces the start of his love of history to a teacher at his second primary school, and then to sixth-form teaching at Ampleforth College. He began writing his first history book at the age of 25. Saul recently presented World War Two: A Timewatch Guide for BBC2. He has presented and appeared in a number of BBC documentaries i...

The silhouette of Sherlock Holmes, with his deerstalker hat, pipe and magnifying glass, is instantly recognisable. The stories have been translated into many languages, and new stories are always being written. All over the world actors have made their name by playing the famous – and infinitely malleable – detective, and groups meet to discuss and dress as characters from the stories. But what is behind this extraordinary attraction to the character of Holmes?  Go along to the Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, to listen to Michael Gunton, Senior Archivist at Portsmouth City Library,  who will explore some of the reasons for our enduring fascination with Sherlock Holmes. Perhaps due to the hugely popular television series starting Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, Holmes is often mistaken for a historical figure, rather than a fictional creation. An extensive collection of items relating to Conan Doyle is housed in the Library’s second floor history suite, and M...