Archive for the ‘Art’ Category

Discover the Ancient Art of Basketweaving

A Q&A with basketweaver Emily Chilvers.

On Thursday, 22 June 2023, Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery is excited to host a special Pitzhanger Late event โ€” Sculptural Coiled Baskets Workshop. Under the guidance of basketweaver and potter Emily Chilvers, you will learn the timeless art of the coiled basket weaving method, often called the ‘foragers basket’.

We caught up with Emily to discuss the workshop and her passion for the ancient art of basketweaving.

Can you tell us something about the coiled basket method?

๐Ÿ™‹โ€โ™€๏ธ Emily Chilvers (EC): Coiling is believed to be one of the oldest weaving techniques, dating back to the dawn of human civilization. Discoveries of ancient basket weavings in Egyptian pyramids from as early as 2504 BC highlight this art form’s longevity and historical significance.

What age range and skill levels are suitable for your workshops?

๐Ÿ™‹โ€โ™€๏ธ EC: I work with all ages and abilities, adapting the materials or techniques to suit my audience. The beauty of any creative technique lies in the enjoyment of the process and the joy of creating. I provide a supportive environment where people can relax and playfully explore new techniques.

How will participants incorporate different materials into their coiled forms during the workshop? 

๐Ÿ™‹โ€โ™€๏ธ EC: The principles of coiling are simple; you have a core material and a weaving element that binds the coils together. Participants can incorporate any soft and flexible material, whether that’s natural, man-made, or recycled. A variety of wools, fibres, and fabrics will be available.

How does our exhibition, Anthony Caro: The Inspiration of Architecture, influence the workshop? 

๐Ÿ™‹โ€โ™€๏ธ EC: Caro’s use of mixed materials, particularly coloured perspex, inspires me. We’ll incorporate these elements into our weaving to create a playful and architectural quality.

What can participants expect to take away from the workshop? 

๐Ÿ™‹โ€โ™€๏ธ EC: I hope participants leave with a newfound love for basket weaving and a desire to continue exploring this art form.

How will participants be able to continue their weaving practice at home? 

๐Ÿ™‹โ€โ™€๏ธ EC: Each participant will receive a starter kit. If the piece is still evolving by the end of the session, they can continue working on it at home with the rest of the materials from their kit.

Finally, what inspired you to become a potter and basketweaver? 

๐Ÿ™‹โ€โ™€๏ธ EC: What I love the most about what I do is the relationships within the creative world. Whether that’s learning from and teaching others or exploring how materials and techniques can be combined in my own work, I don’t ever see myself as a solo maker, and I am inspired and get such joy in the sharing and connections of creativity. 

Mark your calendars for Thursday 22 June 2023, 6.00 pm โ€“ 8.30 pm, and join us at Pitzhanger for an evening of creativity and fun. Your ticket includes a glass of wine and free access to the Manor and the exhibition from 5pm. 

So, ready to explore the timeless art of weaving under the guidance of Emily Chilvers? Secure your spot today!

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Archive

2023

22 Jun 2023
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Pitzhanger Late: Sculptural Coiled Baskets Workshop

More info

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January Sale at Pitzhanger Shop

Up to 25% off in our shop this January! Bring your favourites home while stocks last until the 31 January.

Treat yourself to a little pick-me-up in the New Year. Discounted items include cushion covers, notebooks, candles, tea towels, and more.

Bring your favourites home while stocks last until 31 January.

Up to 25% off

While some items are available via our online shop, you’ll get even more choices by coming in to visit us and seeing what we have in store!

Some of our favourites which are on sale include:

Chinoiserie Tea Towel

Inspired by the wallpaper in Pitzhanger Manor’s Upper Drawing Room.

ยฃ10 โ†’ ยฃ7.50 

‘A Sense of Wonder’ Tea Towel

ยฃ10 โ†’ ยฃ8

Opie Folding Postcard

ยฃ10 โ†’ ยฃ7.50

Free mug for purchase of ยฃ20 or more

Why not combine your New Year shopping with a visit to the ‘A Sense of Wonder’ exhibition? Tickets also grant you access to explore Sir John Soane’s neo-classical Manor house.

Spend ยฃ20 at our shop in Pitzhanger Gallery or online and receive a free limited-edition โ€˜A Sense of Wonderโ€™ mug.

PITZHANGER NEWS

All the latest happenings in and around Pitzhanger

22nd April 2024

Winners of the Young People’s Poetry Competition at the Inaugural Ealing Book Festival

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19th April 2024

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22nd March 2024

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22nd March 2024

At a Glance: April 2024 at Pitzhanger

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22nd February 2024

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12th February 2024

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Introducing Mini Makers

Photo by Roger Green

Artists Antoine Genevier and Jennifer Mesrie discuss their plans for Pitzhanger’s new art programme for toddlers and preschoolers.

Mini Makers is Pitzhanger’s new Early Years programme for children under five and their families.

It’s a drop-in art session designed to allow young children the space and time to explore their creativity and develop their fine motor skills by working with various art materials in an open, welcoming (and messy!) environment.

Mini Makers is about encouraging a child to play in an interactive environment where they can express themselves freely.”

Jennifer Mesrie

The sessions are designed and facilitated by artists Antoine Genevier and Jennifer Mesrie, two experienced artist practitioners with backgrounds in art education for Early Years. They work together to develop the sessions based on a monthly theme.

Each session will have different activity stations for the children to try out. They include large-scale cooperative painting projects, printmaking with natural objects, sensory object play, and much more! Children can move from station to station to explore a variety of materials to draw, paint, build, and make, including colours, play dough, and recycled and natural materials.

We caught up with Jennifer and Antoine to talk about their experiences working in arts education, along with their plans for Mini Makers:

Tell us something about yourselves. What are your experiences working with children in the arts?

๐Ÿ™‹โ€โ™€๏ธ Jennifer Mesrie (JM): I have been working with children of all ages in the arts for 15 years. The most rewarding aspect of the work for me is seeing a child’s creativity develop and helping them feel as passionate and engaged as I am about the subject. I think it’s an integral part of a child’s growth and an important skill to harness. 

๐Ÿ™‹โ€โ™‚๏ธ Antoine Genevier (AG): I have worked in education since my teens, always helping out with after-school art clubs and things, but then I went on to teach in Berlin and Paris for the last ten years, working for a variety of different schools and educational systems. Art has always been rudimental in how I teach and work. It is the first tool to use. It’s how we express who we are, but what I find most rewarding is seeing how their work develops and seeing them grow into creators, builders and risk-takers.

What inspires you to teach art, especially to toddlers and preschoolers under five?

๐Ÿ™‹โ€โ™€๏ธ JM: I enjoy seeing the mini-makers (children) explore new materials they may not have used before, as well as their intuitive approach to painting.

๐Ÿ™‹โ€โ™‚๏ธ AG: It has to be their imaginations, doesn’t it? Seeing how they realise that energy is endlessly inspiring. 

Can you tell us about Mini Makers at Pitzhanger? What is it all about?

๐Ÿ™‹โ€โ™‚๏ธ AG: I would love for it to be a space where creativity, expression and mess (obviously ๐Ÿ˜œ) come together in an interactive environment.

๐Ÿ™‹โ€โ™€๏ธ JM: I plan to run fun sensory workshops engaging each child. Mini Makers is about encouraging a child to play in an interactive environment where they can express themselves freely.

“What I find most rewarding is seeing how their work develops and seeing them grow into creators, builders and risk-takers.”

Antoine Genevier

What experience will families have when they come to Mini Makers?

๐Ÿ™‹โ€โ™€๏ธ JM: I hope they come away feeling like their child has had fun and perhaps realise how important it is for a child’s development. 

๐Ÿ™‹โ€โ™‚๏ธ AG: I am going to be honest โ€” everyone gets messy, but also sees the importance of being playful and messy with your creativity.

What activities, themes, and messes will happen at Mini Makers?

๐Ÿ™‹โ€โ™‚๏ธ AG: I know Jennifer and I have a lot planned, including building new creations by reusing toys to create something new. We want to work closely with the gallery to do some themed workshops. 

๐Ÿ™‹โ€โ™€๏ธ JM: In January, we have a workshop called Supertoys which will coincide with the ‘A Sense of Wonder‘ exhibition at Pitzhanger Gallery. Children get a chance to take old, discarded toys and create new ones with their parts. 

Finally, what is your favourite colour?

๐Ÿ™‹โ€โ™€๏ธ JM: Pink, as it makes me feel calm. 

๐Ÿ™‹โ€โ™‚๏ธ AG: The hardest question of all! I would say all colours as it’s about your emotional response to them and how you choose to express yourself in that given moment.

Mini Makers runs weekly from 10.30 am โ€“ 2.00 pm. Families can come and go as they please at any time. The sessions are bookable and also available to drop in.ย 

Full-price tickets are ยฃ5 per child, with a concession ticket available for ยฃ1 to qualifying families. Ticketholders can access Pitzhanger Manor for free on the day (Entry to the exhibition in Pitzhanger Gallery requires a separate ticket). They can also get a free babyccino and discounted coffee and cake at Pitzhanger Pantry near the Walpole Park playground.

Make a day of it and book your place now!

Event

2024

10 May 2024
to 6 Sep 2024

Mini Makers

More info

PITZHANGER NEWS

All the latest happenings in and around Pitzhanger

22nd April 2024

Winners of the Young People’s Poetry Competition at the Inaugural Ealing Book Festival

Explore the creativity ofย our community’sย young poets.

More info
19th April 2024

At a Glance: May 2024 at Pitzhanger

Celebrate Pitzhanger’s 5th anniversary of reopening with special events and exhibitions.

More info
22nd March 2024

Pitzhanger Celebrates Its First Five Years with Major Acquisition of Julian Opie’s ‘Curly Hair’

A vibrant addition to West London’s cultural landscape.

More info
22nd March 2024

At a Glance: April 2024 at Pitzhanger

Join in on the Easter fun, with art, family activities and the Ealing Book Festival at Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery.

More info
22nd February 2024

At a Glance: March 2024 at Pitzhanger

Discover Spring’s vibrancy with art, talks, and family fun at Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery.

More info
12th February 2024

BBC Antiques Roadshow Comes to Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery

BBC Antiques Roadshow films at Pitzhanger in May 2024. Join us for historic discoveries.

More info
1st February 2024

At a Glance: February 2024 at Pitzhanger

Explore art, workshops, and family activities at Pitzhanger this February.

More info
24th December 2023

Merry Christmas from Pitzhanger!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

More info
21st December 2023

At a Glance: January 2024 at Pitzhanger

Explore art, workshops, and culinary delights at Pitzhanger this January for a vibrant new year.

More info
12th December 2023

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The King visited Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, Sir John Soaneโ€™s masterpiece in Ealing on Thursday 7 December 2023.

More info