A NEW guide at Birmingham's Barber Institute accompanies the exhibition The Great and the Good: Judging Quality in Art, which encourages visitors to judge masterpieces against lesser works usually found lurking in the reserve gallery.

Drawing attention to differences such as composition, technique and how the artist engages with the subject, the exhibition invites the visitor to ponder the question: what is it that makes a masterpiece?

The free family guide encourages youngsters to take a closer look through a series of fun activities.

The Barber Institute at the University of Birmingham is open every day, 10am-5pm, and on Sundays from noon to 5pm.

The exhibition runs until May 6 and admission is free.