All workshops are drop-in, so feel free to join at any time during the session. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Channel is Somerset House’s new curated online space for art, ideas and the artistic process.
Workshops
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FREE
13 - 15 Aug 2024
The Edmond J. Safra
Fountain Court
Join us for a series of free family workshops in the courtyard on select dates in August. Perfect for all ages, these engaging sessions offer hands-on fun and creativity.
Thu 15 Aug | 12.00 - 16.00
Badge Making with Art Explora
Join Art Explora for a fun and engaging workshop where you can chat about artworks on the theme of “Art of the Everyday” and create your own designs. Turn your creations into a set of badges to share with family, friends, and new friends! Suitable for all ages, this workshop encourages creativity and connection.
Art Explora is a UK charity which aims to increase access to arts and culture and develop new opportunities for engagement and participation with the arts. They work in partnership with artists, cultural organisations and communities, embracing all art forms, to create transformative cultural experiences. Founded in the UK in 2021, they believe in sharing successful models and looking for opportunities to scale up programmes both across the UK and internationally.
Previous
Tue 06 Aug | 12.00 - 15.00
Structure, Art and Geometry with Leila Dear
Dive into the fascinating world of geometry with Leila Dear! Build structures using wooden dowels, including a fractal pyramid and Buckminster Fuller's Jitterbug model. Explore and assemble platonic solids and wireframe structures, observing how bubbles interact with these forms. This workshop is ideal for both novices and seasoned builders. Just bring your curiosity and get ready to construct wonders!
Leila Dear is an artist and educator based at Somerset House Studios. Her work combines maths, science, and art to explore natural structures. Using techniques from Islamic pattern-making, sound, and fluid dynamics, she creates paintings, models, sculptures, and workshops. Leila focuses on discovering geometric connections and capturing the awe and wonder of nature's complex relationships and repeating forms.
Wed 07 Aug | 11.00 - 14.00
Drag Pirates Storytelling with Heads Bodies Legs
Join the Drag Pirate Crew and meet the Admirable Half-Nelson in this inclusive dress-up adventure! Participate in crafts, create a voyage story, learn real pirate facts, and sing along. Whether you're a giant, fairy, dinosaur, mermaid, or space explorer, everyone is welcome to join the Drag Pirates on their mission to create a better world!
The Good Ally Ship, led by Arkem Mark Walton of Heads Bodies Legs, specialises in creating interactive story experiences for families and young people. With over twenty years of experience, Arkem is known for engaging audiences at venues like the Young V&A, Wilderness Festival, and Southbank Centre. They enjoy dressing up in vibrant costumes and encouraging participation. The crew also includes Porscha Present, a classically trained pianist, drag performer, and vocalist, and Ray Malone, a creative producer and director of Heads Bodies Legs. This community arts collective is dedicated to crafting theatre, performance, art, and workshops that promote heritage, advocacy, and community building.
Thu 08 Aug | 12.00 - 15.00
Embroidery Wall Hangings with Tihara Smith
Celebrate heritage and culture through art with designer Tihara Smith! Create unique wall art inspired by Caribbean souvenirs brought to Britain by the Windrush Generation. This drop-in workshop is suitable for ages 5+. Learn fabric, drawing, and sewing techniques, and try raffia embroidery (for older participants). Celebrate your heritage and take home your masterpiece.
Tihara Smith is a London-based designer inspired by her Caribbean heritage and the Windrush Generation. A graduate of the University for the Creative Arts Epsom, she showcased her Windrush-inspired collection at Graduate Fashion Week in 2018, with a piece later acquired by the Museum of London. Beyond fashion, Tihara founded a lifestyle brand offering Caribbean-inspired stationery and accessories. She specialises in hand embroidery with raffia, a traditional Caribbean technique, and shares her skills through workshops for all ages.
Tue 13 Aug | 12.00 - 15.00
Loom Making with Della Yellow
Join us for a fun and educational weaving workshop led by Della Yellow! Suitable for all ages, this hands-on session will teach you essential weaving skills using recycled cardboard looms and fabric scraps from their clothing upgrade service. Create your own unique project to take home and contribute to a larger community loom, watching the collaborative artwork grow throughout the day.
This zero-waste workshop emphasises sustainability and creativity, making it a perfect activity for everyone. Come, weave, and take home a piece of art that reflects your creativity and commitment to the environment.
Della Yellow is revolutionising the fashion industry with its innovative clothing upgrade service. Through a unique process, Della Yellow transforms existing garments into new styles, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
Wed 14 Aug | 12.00 - 15.00
Bookmaking Workshop with Forty-Four Words
Discover the beauty of bookmaking with Forty-Four Words, an experimental publisher specialising in handmade-to-order books. In this workshop, you’ll craft your own A6 notebook and personalise it with beads, ribbons, and more. Whether you follow instructional worksheets or seek personalised guidance from their facilitators, you'll create a unique notebook that becomes a special home for your thoughts. Suitable for all ages.
Forty-Four Words is Britain’s first Black-owned publisher to specialise in handmade-to-order books and creative products. Founded by Amanda Boachie, resident at Somerset House, Forty-Four Words desires to share the beauty of books, craftsmanship and creative thinking with curious minds.