Somerset Rural Life Museum has teamed up with artists and makers from across the county to create a programme of workshops this autumn. Alongside the workshops the museum is hosting a new series of online talks exploring rural life.
On 19 September pottery teacher Rebecca Landrock will be at the museum to lead a clay and botanical workshop. In this two-hour workshop participants will create a vase and set of coasters and discover how natural materials can leave their unique mark in clay.
On 26 September the museum welcomes stained-glass artist Richard Pelham from Glastonbury. Richard has taught stained-glass making for over 20 years and he will guide participants through the process to create a stained-glass bee.
On 3 October willow artist Sarah LeBreton will be using traditional English techniques, and willow grown on the Somerset Levels, to teach workshop participants how to weave a willow basket.
This is followed, on 10 October, by a chance to make a traditional wooden rake using green woodworking techniques. This one-day workshop is led by Peter Codd, an experienced teacher of bushcraft and traditional crafts, from Explore the Great Outdoors.
Susie Simmons from the South West Heritage Trust said: “Our museum has long been a place to exhibit the work of makers and artists both through our historic collections and contemporary exhibitions. We are delighted to be extending this further by providing opportunities for visitors to get hands on and learn from Somerset’s talented makers and artists.”
This autumn the museum is also hosting a new series of online talks exploring various aspects to rural life. On 23 September writer, honey sommelier and bee consultant Paula Carnell will be giving a talk about bees. Paula will draw on her work around the world to discuss the connections between bees, humans and health.
On 7 October Bristol University’s Dr Richard Stone will talk about the ‘Golden Age’ of cider. Dr. Stone is a lecturer in Early Modern History and his research includes ‘Drink and Disorder in Early Modern England.’ He is also an award-winning cider maker.
The autumn workshops and online talks are part of a programme of activity, ‘Together Again’, which includes enhanced opportunities to engage digitally with heritage. Spaces for workshops are very limited and booking is essential for all workshops and talks.
The museum reopened on 12 August after almost five months of closure. It is open Wednesday to Saturday 10.00 am to 5.00 pm and admission is by advance booking only.
For more information and to book visit srlm.org.uk.