The South West Heritage Trust has unveiled its autumn programme of workshops, talks, tours and special events across Somerset and Devon, offering opportunities to explore creativity, local history and heritage.
The packed programme includes arts and crafts workshops, expert talks, behind-the-scenes tours and hands-on learning experiences at venues including Museums and Heritage Centres.
South West Heritage Trust Head of Museums and Engagement Estelle Gilbert said: “Our autumn programme offers something for everyone, whether you’re interested in learning a new creative skill, discovering fascinating stories from the past, exploring our museums and archives, or meeting like-minded people. We’re delighted to be welcoming visitors to a wide range of inspiring events that celebrate the rich heritage of Somerset and Devon.”
Art, craft, clay and woodworking workshops are taking place in Glastonbury and Bridgwater throughout the season. At Somerset Rural Life Museum, local artist Jackie Curtis is leading three workshops exploring different styles of printmaking.
Visitors can also try drawing with charcoal with local artist Kate Lynch and create stained glass light catchers with Kate Doig from Firewolf Glass. At Avalon Archaeology there are prehistoric skills and woodworking workshops.
At Somerset Brick and Tile Museum, adult clay workshops offer the chance to make a variety of seasonal creations, including gingerbread houses, ghosts, snowmen, Christmas wreaths and festive decorations.
For those interested in history and archives, workshops at the Somerset Heritage Centre will provide an introduction to reading old handwriting, while the Devon Heritage Centre is hosting a session on caring for family and community archives.
The Trust is also taking part in Heritage Open Days. The Somerset Heritage Centre will open its doors for a free drop-in event, giving visitors the opportunity to see original documents, hear talks about the lives of everyday people found within the archives and take a guided tour of the strongrooms. At Somerset Brick and Tile Museum, visitors can enjoy a free tour alongside a tile-making demonstration.
As part of Somerset Art Weeks, exhibitions and talks will take place at Somerset Rural Life Museum. Working in partnership with Somerset Art Works, Cultural Connections will feature artist talks and displays of contemporary art exploring themes of migration and identity.
Meanwhile, at The Museum of Somerset, the Victoria County History Society Annual Lecture will be delivered by author Chris Lewis, who will discuss Exon Domesday, the oldest but least well-known surviving manuscript from the Domesday survey of 1086. The Museum is also hosting The Royal Photographic Society International Photography Exhibition 167.
For more information about South West Heritage Trust events visit swheritage.org.uk.
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