Inside the new Leonardo Da Vinci exhibition at Nottingham Castle

Leonardo-da-vinci

A stunning exhibition of drawings by Leonardo Da Vinci is expected to double the number of visitors to Nottingham Castle.

The ten works are on show from Saturday until October and are making a rare public appearance outside of the closed doors of the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle.

Sketched 500 years ago, they were never meant for public view and are Da Vinci’s private creations depicting animals, sculpture designs and the human form.

A specially written and designed gallery will introduce visitors to the leading light of Renaissance art and scientific discovery.

The ten drawings themselves are then displayed in a second gallery, with each one protected by glass but without barriers so visitors can stand up close and examine them in every detail.

Officially titled Leonardo Da Vinci: Ten Drawings from the Royal Collection, they are appearing as part of a tour with Nottingham one of just four locations to get a glimpse of the works.

Royal Collection Trust director Jonathan Marsden said: “The drawings are among the greatest artistic treasures of this country. Through this touring exhibition, we aim to bring these extraordinary works of art within easy reach of people across Great Britain and Ireland.”

Notts TV’s Hugh Casswell talks to Martin Clayton from the Royal Collection on Facebook Live

Considered one of the greatest artists to have ever lived, Leonardo was also a mathematician, inventor, sculptor, architect and astronomer.

He is most famous for painting the Mona Lisa and was known to draw almost constantly, using it as a means of expression and in order to develop ideas.

He died in 1519 aged 67 and is now considered one of the fathers of modern science, biology, astronomy and education.

The exhibition is open daily between 10am and 5pm until October 9 and is included in the castle’s regular admission price of £7 for adults and £5 for concessions.

Organisers say there may be a short wait to see the drawings at busy times as only a limited number of people will be allowed into the gallery at busy times.