• Fri. Dec 6th, 2024

North East Connected

Hopping Across The North East From Hub To Hub

Step into the Past to Make Slippers, Scarves and Much More

Adults from across County Durham can step into the slippers or scarves of their ancestors, in a series of special craft workshops starting next month.

From February, Auckland Castle Trust, Bishop Auckland, will be offering adults the chance to make their own footwear, clothing and decorative ornaments using skills dating back hundreds of years.

Each of the Heritage Craft Skill workshops, supported by HLF, will focus on the techniques used to make a particular item, such as felted slippers and scarves, Roman pottery, leather belts and Anglo Saxon style silver rings.

Those taking part will receive expert tuition and create their own version to take home at the end.

Andie Harris, Heritage Skills Co-ordinator for Auckland Castle, Trust, said: “For thousands of years people have experimented with ways of making different things to use for practical purposes, as well as to wear, and decorate their homes.

“These Heritage Craft Skill workshops are a unique way for people to follow in the footsteps of those who lived centuries ago and to use those same techniques to create something beautiful and practical for the modern day.”

Heritage Craft Skills will run at venues around Auckland Castle up to three times a week from February to December.  Each session will run for up to six hours, and is tailored to suit both beginners and experts alike.  Prices start at £30 per person for the majority of sessions, with some half days offered from £20 per person.  This includes all necessary materials, as well as tea and coffee throughout the day.

For more information please visit www.aucklandcastle.org/events and to book email bookings@aucklandcastle.orgor call 01388 743797.