Taster sessions about Roman culture and life throughout the week:

'Fleeced by the Romans'

Felt Making with Sheep Wool with Claire Cawte - Monday 17th May 10am

This workshop is suitable for all ages with only soapy water involved so younger children can participate with the help of an adult.

In a two hour session the students will experience the traditional method of felt-making using sheep wool to make fabric. They will make a piece of felt fabric with use of coloured fleece to create a pictorial or abstract design inspired by the artefacts of the Roman museum. 20 places available

'Ancient casting'

Pewter Casting Workshop with Mandy Nash - Wednesday 19th May 10am

A hands-on workshop where participants will be able to recreate the methods used by the Romans to cast pewter.

This appeals to all age levels from eight upwards and all skill levels too. No experience is necessary - total beginners are able to produce professional looking items. In a half day session, students design (using the museum¹s collections as inspiration) and carve their own moulds into which the tutor pours the molten pewter. The cast pieces are then finished into key rings, brooches, necklaces, fridge magnets or small mobiles. 10 places available

'You've got to scroll with it'

Make an Ink and Parchment Scroll with Catherine Lewis - Thursday 20th May 2pm

Students will make a parchment scroll with home-made ink and wax seal, using traditional writing techniques and materials native to the UK at the time of the Roman occupation.

Roman scripts and illustrations will be referenced; methods of making pigments and inks investigated; natural sheep and goat skin parchment along with bark, will be used. 10 places available

'Dyeing to be Roman'

Plant Dye with Local Plants with Claire Cawte - Friday 21st  2pm

This workshop is suitable for all ages. In a two hour session the students will discover how to extract colour from plant matter making a rich liquid to colour fabric. A variety of fabrics or the previously made felt fabric can be placed into the liquid dye. The students will explore various plant dyes and experience how to transfer colour and leaf print on to cloth which can result in a fascinating coloured collage. 20 places available