Free Pargetting workshops at Saffron Walden Museum to promote heritage craft
Saffron Walden Museum is offering two one-day workshops later this month with The Pargetting Company, to encourage people aged 18 to 30 to try their hand at this traditional craft of decorating plaster walls with stamps and freehand designs.
The workshops are free, but places must be booked in advance via the museum's website.
The workshops will be led by Bill Sargent of The Pargetting Company, outdoors in the museum grounds. Participants will get hands-on with the patterns and free-hand designs in plaster and will be able to take away their own freehand design in plaster on a board.
The workshops were initiated by Paul Fairhurst after seeing a demonstration of pargetting last October on the town's Saffron Day. Paul explained: "I discovered that Saffron Walden has some beautiful examples of this ancient craft, and I hope these workshops will encourage people to take up pargetting and so help to preserve this heritage craft for future generations to enjoy."
Carolyn Wingfield, the museum Curator, said: "The museum is delighted to be offering this special opportunity to try a traditional craft. Many local historic houses are pargetted and it's a special part of Saffron Walden's heritage."
The workshops would be of interest to anyone considering a future in art and design, architecture, building or local history and conservation. No previous experience is required - just come in sensible clothing and shoes and have some fun.
There are two one-day workshops, with six places on each, on Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 July from 10am to 3pm. Participants need to be living or working in the Saffron Walden area and aged 18 to 30.
To book your free place online, visit the museum's Arts Tickets webpage https://saffron-walden-museum.arttickets.org.uk and choose your workshop date. Soft drinks will be provided, and participants can bring their own picnic lunch to enjoy in the museum and castle grounds.
Members of the public will be able to see The Pargetting Company give a general demonstration of their craft on 24 August when Saffron Walden Museum holds a day of traditional crafts.
10 July 2023