How To See: Block Buster Edition

Still Walking joins forces with Nook Gallery to present How to See, an immersive walking workshop that examines the way we see and respond to the world around us. The act of seeing is here shown to be a nuanced and revealing process. For this special Nook edition of How to See, Ben Waddington will lead a small group of observers on a short but fruitful walk around the block, beginning and ending at Nook Gallery and Studios, on Institute Road, Kings Heath.

While out and about, our most familiar streets often provide only a vague backdrop to our internal monologue. By becoming more present in our environment, we not only heighten our sense of well-being but feel more connected to our community and culture, and sharpen our aesthetic appreciation of the world. This 'walkshop' reveals how a careful and even forensic interpretation of modest side streets can yield moments of high intrigue. We will consider changes in domestic architectural design, the meaning of house and street names, how local shops and businesses present themselves, indigenous flora and fauna and the further subtle design clues to the character, history and economy of this suburban subset of Kings Heath.

The 60-minute walk will be followed by further indoor exercises back at Nook: reflection, map-making, exploring jogged thoughts and memories from the walk. The ticket price includes a hot drink / mulled wine and Kings Heath best biscuit assortment. This pre-dusk walk will depart promptly at 3 15pm; please arrive at Nook earlier to allow yourself some browsing time at South Birmingham's newest arts and craft space.

The route is fully accessible and toilet facilities are available at Nook.