With a boat almost as big as the gallery and fluorescent fabric jelly fish and sea monsters suspended from the gallery ceiling, the Ship of Fools is a real sea wash of colour and an exhibition not to miss this winter.

Art at the Heart’s artist in residence Edwina Bridgeman has been working with Artsparks and the children on the Children’s Ward at the RUH in Bath. Children, along with their parents and carers, have designed and developed sea monsters, most of which appear gentle and happy, echoing the spirit of the exhibition beautifully. As Edwina explains: “Any one of us could be the Fool, we are all vulnerable, and it is only through thoughtfulness and kindness that we can support and encourage”.

Made from paper, cardboard, mushroom crates and other ‘found’ materials, Edwina Bridgeman’s huge Ship of Fools takes centre stage in the gallery. Surrounding it are 140 handmade figures who could be spectators or passengers. Visitors can interact with the boat by climbing on board, trying on an animal mask and discovering how the Fools of the Middle Ages felt when they were cast adrift.

The exhibition runs until January 11, with an opportunity to meet Edwina on Thursday, January 8 from 1-1.45pm. Open Tues-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 1.30-5pm.