 | | Peace and Goodwill, 1922, by Henry Payne |
Birmingham City Council’s Museum & Art Gallery is putting the true spirit of Christmas at the centre of its activities throughout December with a Nativity Art Trail through the galleries. The free Trail will highlight great masterworks in the city’s collections that depict the Holy Family as seen through the eyes of some of the greatest artists of their time. It includes works by Pre-Raphaelite artists such as Birmingham-born Edward Burne-Jones and Arthur Hughes plus Flemish and Italian Masters including Gentileschi and Castiglione. Councillor Ray Hassall, Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture, said:
 | | The Start of Bethlehem, by Edward Burne-Jones |
"It is important that we remember the true meaning of Christmas and the Nativity Art Trail will help celebrate this important Christian festival. "Visitors, regardless of background or belief, will be able to see the Nativity story in the city collections drawn from over five hundred years of art." This free trail covers an array of media and artists. Included are a stained-glass window entitled Peace and Goodwill (1922) by Birmingham artist Henry Payne, originally fitted in the Methodist Chapel in Cradley Heath near Halesowen.
 | | Triptych, 1510-1512, by Adriaen Isenbrandt |
The Star of Bethlehem (1887-1891) by the famous Birmingham Pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Burne-Jones and the Triptych (a painting in three parts often used as a church altarpiece) (1510-1512) by Adriaen Isenbrandt. The trail also includes the work of many other famous artists and will be running until 31st December. Free guide books will be available from all reception desks. | 
