Events in week starting Wednesday 28 November 2012

Curator Victoria Robson reveals the surprising stories behind the acquisition of selected paintings from Te Papa’s collection.

Discover the early works of one of 18th-century England’s leading portrait painters with Gainsborough specialist Hugh Belsey.

Today, a panel of judges from Weta Workshop, HarperCollins, and Te Papa choose the winning art works in the Schools Hobbit Art Competition.

The Shire Waytes are an eight-piece band who play medieval and Renaissance instruments – string, wind, reed, and percussion – in various combinations. They bring diversity to both period and Tolkien-inspired music and song.

Get into the spirit and celebrate Wellington's Middle Earth connection.

Don’t miss this fascinating lecture on Homo floresiensis – a human species discovered on the Indonesian Island of Flores in 2003. This new species stood just over 1 metre tall and had large feet.

During December and January, Te Papa will be accepting donations of food for Wellington’s Soup Kitchen.

Hear the children in Munting Tinig (Small Voices) sing traditional Filipino songs and old-time favourites, in English and Filipino.

Many of the portraits in Angels & Aristocrats depict garments beautifully adorned with lace. Join Wellington’s Faultline Lacemakers for a demonstration of this ancient and intricate craft.

If Christmas is a struggle, come to the Freecycle Market for clothes, furniture, bric-a-brac, and legal or medical advice – all free. Show your Community Services Card for a free haircut.

Get into the spirit and celebrate Wellington's Middle Earth connection.

Go on a family-friendly tour of the children’s portraits in Angels & Aristocrats, then make your own lacy accessory with textile designer Lucy Moore.

Join artist Rob McLeod for an Angels & Aristocrats floortalk in which he attempts to define the elusive qualities that make a painting successful.

During December and January, Te Papa will be accepting donations of food for Wellington’s Soup Kitchen.

To celebrate the International Day of Disabled People, meet renowned Chinese artist Qin Bailan and marvel at her elegant paintings. All works are for sale.

During December and January, Te Papa will be accepting donations of food for Wellington’s Soup Kitchen.

During December and January, Te Papa will be accepting donations of food for Wellington’s Soup Kitchen.