Rediscover 1900s Crafts at Black Country Living Museum

The spring series of heritage skills workshops is coming up at Black Country Living Museum, with a programme of activities and crafts once commonplace in the homes, backyard workshops and on the canals of the Black Country in the 1900s .

Don’t miss the opportunity to investigate local heritage, rediscover traditional skills and unleash your own creativity - all set within the inspirational landscape of the Black Country Living Museum.

Beginners’ Willow Basket Weaving                             Saturday 10 May 2014 10am-4pm

This is a full day of willow weaving with expert tuition and all materials and tools provided. Learn about the techniques and traditions of willow weaving and create your own unique willow basket. This course has been designed to guide total beginners step by step through each stage of the basket making process so that at the end of the day you will have a finished round basket to take home.

Maximum places: 8        Cost: £50 per person

Beginners’ Bobbin Lace Making                                  Saturday 7 June 2014 10am-4pm

This is a full day course with expert tuition and all materials and equipment provided. During the day you will be taught the basic techniques of traditional bobbin lace making, and will complete a finished item to take home with you. This could be a piece of jewellery in thread or copper wire and incorporating glass beads, or a small motif that can be sewn onto items of clothing. The course has been designed to guide total beginners step by step through each stage of the process, showing that lace making is not as difficult as it at first seems!

Maximum places: 10       Cost: £50 per person

Blacksmith Experience Day                                                     Saturday 14 June 2014

A "hands on" experience of Blacksmithing under the experienced guidance of our Locksmith Demonstrator. The course is set in the atmospheric Victorian house and lockmaking workshops of the Hodson family – one of the many family businesses that made Willenhall the heart of lockmaking since the Industrial Revolution. This is a taster session providing an introduction to the forge, the basic tools and how to use them.

Maximum Places: 2       Cost £35

Canal Crafts:                                                             Saturday 21 June 2014 10am-4pm

Learn about the culture and craft traditions of the Black Country. This course will demonstrate a range of different traditional canal crafts, including spider web embroidery, crochet and the making of twisted pearl necklaces. Participant can study one or all of the crafts demonstrated, and will get to take home the materials and tools that they have been using to continue their studies at home. The workshop is designed for the complete beginner or for those wishing to brush up on existing skills. You will gain the confidence and ability to tackle a variety of craft techniques and create your own simple designs.

Maximum places: 12      Cost: £50 per person

Painting with Acrylics Workshop                                 Saturday 5 July 2014 10am-4pm

This workshop aims to give learners a good foundation in the techniques of “Painting a Landscape in acrylic”. It is for learners of all levels of ability, but those with some experience of painting and/or drawing will benefit most. Through short demonstrations and individual tuition, you’ll learn the basics of painting and a system of colour usage. All materials and equipment will be provided, but please feel free to bring along your own.

Maximum Places: 15     Cost: £50 per person

Stone Masonry:                                                Saturday 28 June 2014 10am-4 pm

A practical workshop learning the basic techniques of carving and shaping stone. It will include an introduction into the conservation, repair and restoration of natural stone buildings, as well as the construction of new masonry structures, and an understanding of the wide range of stone types and how they react to various conditions.

Maximum places: 10      Cost: £50 per person

Courses are advanced booking only at www.bclmbookings.co.uk or telephone 0121 520 8054.

For further information please contact:
Laura Turner, Public Relations Assistant (Acting) Tel: 0121 521 5692
Mobile 07508 741652  Laura.Turner@bclm.com

About the Museum
Established in 1978, Black Country Living Museum is one of the UK’s leading open-air Museums.  Designated by Arts Council England for the quality and national significance of its collections, it is a remarkable place to explore, enjoy and spend time.  Set in 26 acres with over 150 historic buildings and features, and attracting 240,000 visitors each year and over 8m people since it first opened, it offers a glimpse into 200 years of history like no other.  The Museum (a registered educational charity) records and exemplifies the contribution and impact of the Black Country region since the 18th century to the development of the modern industrialized world.  Black Country folk changed the world, and the Museum tells the story of a very special time and place in history and some of the most hard-working, ingenious and influential people you could imagine.  It offers a visitor experience that few others can match. www.bclm.com

Tags: