24th January - Brushmaking with Ellie Birkhead

Saturday 24th January
10am - 4pm
Lunch and unlimited tea and coffee included

Brushmaking and exploring connections to place.

Traditional crafts have always been rooted to a place. From the potteries of Stoke-on-Trent to the scissor makers of Sheffield: landscape, ecology, resources and people have always been the catalyst for craft and industries to flourish. Today many of us have lost this deep connection to place; to the people that surround us and the connection to the materials that make up our local ecosystems.

Through the lens of brushmaking we will explore these fraying connections, exploring how making can root us in the environment and allow the objects we create to speak of the land we inhabit.

During this workshop Ellie will pass on the skills learnt from one of England’s last brushmakers for you to make your very own brushes for the home. Immersing yourself into the seasonal landscape of Hawarden Estate you’ll be given the chance to forage for fibres and connect craft and place.

Ellie will teach an age old brush binding technique before giving you the opportunity to get creative with making your own designs. You will be introduced to the pillar drill and learn simple woodworking techniques to be able to craft your own handle, as well as having the chance to experiment with a mixture of bristle materials, from waste fishing nets to plant fibres.

All materials are included, as is a wonderful, simple lunch for Hawarden Estate Farm Shop. The workshops will take place within our warm and light-filled Conservatory space.

You do not need any prior skills to attend this class!