Demonstrations of traditional traders such as woodturning, leatherwork, pottery, and stained glass will take place as our popular Heritage Skills Festival returns to Gainsborough.
On Saturday 13 July, West Lindsey District Council will host the event, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to watch the demonstrations and have a go themselves.
Traditional tradesmen and women will be in action in Gainsborough’s historic Market Place, from 9am-3pm. Special free crafts for children will also be available on the day in the activity tent, as well as lots of hand-made traditionally crafted gifts to browse and buy.
Entertainment will be provided in the form of medieval musicians and dancers de Mowbray’s Musicke, who will be demonstrating a range of historic instruments and dances.
West Lindsey District Council’s Townscape Heritage Activity Co-ordinator and organiser of the festival, Theresa Workman said:
“We are keen to build on the success of last year’s festival and support rare trades from our region, hopefully inspiring a new generation to consider these rewarding and unusual careers.
“There is something for everyone, and there are so many free activities to try. Families will find lots to keep the children busy in our activity tent where they can learn a craft and take away their creation for free.”
Joining us on the day will be:
- Alison Walling of Lincolnshire Willow will demonstrate the art of willow weaving.
- Mona Whitton, a successful artist, originally from Gainsborough, will demonstrate the art of working with stained glass with opportunities to have a go.
- Katie Veall from Arthur and Alice is a textile and fibre artist who predominantly uses the punch needle to create fine embroidery, wall art and furniture pieces.
- Laurence White of Shedtime, who is also from Gainsborough, will be demonstrating traditional leather work creating modern and historic items.
- Michael Ashton is a traditional chair maker who uses a foot operated pole lathe and traditional tools to create furniture.
- Patrick Whitton is a young adult who specialises in wood turning, using a modern lathe to create bowls and spoons.
- Sarah of SPT Ceramics creates large figures for both the home and garden with demonstrations on the finishing stages.
- Shaun Clark of Whiskerhills Pottery will demonstrate the art of hand decorating pottery.
Demonstrations on sash window repair and the use of traditional lime mortar for pointing and plastering are also being provided by Jason Mordan, from Nottinghamshire County Council’s conservation team.
Other activities include:
- G-B decorating will be providing demonstrations on the repair and restoration of early textured wallpapers.
- Keymer are manufacturers of hand-made roof tiles dating back to 1588. They will be offering free hands-on opportunities to make your own clay dragon.
- The Lincolnshire Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers will be demonstrating how they use traditional spinning wheels and weaving equipment, with a chance for you to have-a-go.
- Robyn Smith, a textile artist will be demonstrating how she creates detailed artworks from traditional felting methods.
- AS Crafts will be demonstrating spoon making and woodwork.
- Catherine Mann, from Totem Blue will be demonstrating her hand made leather bags.
This event has been made possible through funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
For more information about out Townscape Heritage Initiative visit here.
For regular updates on the event, visit Discover Gainsborough.