Get Tickets Please note that although our Manor House remains open as normal, we are hosting our Wedding Open Day across the Manor space on 25th October 2025. Artworks in the Manor will be available as normal.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Introducing the New Mini Makers: Three Ways to Play, Move and Create at Pitzhanger
Discover Mini Makers: fun, creative sessions for under-fives in music, movement and messy play.
Pitzhanger’s beloved early years programme, Mini Makers, is back — bigger, brighter and even more joyful. Now with three different types of sessions led by three fantastic practitioners, Mini Makers invites families with children aged 0–5 to discover the joys of movement, music, and messy play.
Running every other Friday at The Rickyard in Walpole Park, each session focuses on a different way for little ones to explore, learn and connect. Whether your child is a quiet observer or an enthusiastic mover, there’s something in Mini Makers for everyone.
We spoke to each of the artists leading the programme to find out what makes their sessions so special.
Mini Makers: Messy Play
Explore textures, colours, and creativity in this hands-on, child-led Messy Play session for ages 1–5!
More info
Mini Makers: Move and Flow
Explore movement, rhythm, and relaxation in a fun and nurturing environment with Desire Boyneburg.
More info
Mini Makers: Music and Rhyme
Sing, dance, and play in this joyful Music and Rhyme session for babies and toddlers!
More info
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your artistic practice?
Lewis McVey (Messy Play): I’m an artist and designer who creates colourful murals and interactive experiences. I started painting murals at 16 in Liverpool and went on to study design at Goldsmiths. I love working with people and designing playful spaces that spark creativity. For Mini Makers, I design a new cardboard structure every time — towers, dens, forts — which kids can crawl under, paint, and play with.
Désirée Boyneburg (Move and Flow): I’m a Montessori educator and Hatha yoga teacher with over 10 years of experience teaching yoga and mindfulness to babies, toddlers, children, teens and families. I specialise in working with children and those with special educational needs. I love using creative movement and sensory play to help children develop social and emotional skills.
Sofia Wilde (Music and Rhyme): I’m a jazz-trained vocalist, early years music educator, and mum of three. I lead music and movement classes and co-founded Sound Generation, a live music agency. My sessions are entirely led by live instruments like ukulele, piano, and flute, and I always aim to strengthen the bond between babies and their caregivers through shared musical experiences.
What can families expect when they attend your Mini Makers session?
Lewis: Expect a giant sculpture in the middle of the space — it could be a maze, fort, or abstract world — which children are free to explore and paint. There are different activity zones too, like stacking blocks or sensory corners. Each session is totally unique and child-led. It might look messy, but it’s full of imagination and discovery.
Désirée: It’s a playful and interactive yoga journey for families. We move together, breathe, laugh, and sometimes become animals or go on imaginary journeys. We finish by winding down and travelling inward with calming music and rest. Everyone is welcome — parents, grandparents, carers — and no yoga experience is needed.
Sofia: We sing, dance and play instruments together. My sessions include floor songs, round-the-room movement, listening games and dancing with props like puppets, scarves and ribbons. We finish with a lullaby and calming sounds. The whole experience is about building stronger connections through music, and helping children develop rhythm, coordination and joy.
What inspired you to work with young children?
Lewis: Kids are incredibly creative. I learn so much from how they play and see the world. I also had a childhood filled with art, gallery visits and den building, so it feels natural to create that kind of environment for others.
Désirée: My three children and the children I worked with in nurseries inspired me. I saw firsthand how yoga and mindfulness can have a hugely positive impact on children’s emotional wellbeing and joy.
Sofia: Becoming a parent changed everything. After my first child was born, I set up my own music classes because I felt there was a real need for them. I can’t imagine not working with children now — it’s so rewarding.
What techniques or tools do you use in your sessions?
Lewis: I build a different sculpture each time from cardboard pillars, which kids can paint and play inside. It’s all about interacting with the environment in creative ways. Around the room we have zones with different materials so children can choose how they want to explore.
Désirée: I use movement games, partner poses, scarves, beanbags, singing bowls, pom-poms, feathers, mindfulness stories, and even a unicorn mascot! These help children with sensory awareness, motor skills, creativity and confidence. We always end with relaxation using music and visualisations.
Sofia: I use live music and world instruments, responding to children’s moods and energies. We play games based on rhythm, pitch, and tempo — like moving low and slow or dancing fast to upbeat tunes. Beat-keeping is fundamental and supports language development too.
What do you hope families take away from the experience?
Lewis: I want children to feel immersed in a world of creative freedom. It’s not about making something perfect – it’s about discovering new ways to play. I hope families feel inspired to continue making and playing together beyond the session.
Désirée: That they’ve enjoyed a special time together. I hope families take home a few breathing techniques or games to use when they need calm or connection.
Sofia: I hope children and caregivers leave feeling more connected and more confident in expressing themselves musically. Music should be accessible to all from birth — it’s a powerful tool for development and bonding.
Any advice for parents attending for the first time?
Lewis: Come with an open mind and no expectations. Every child engages differently. Wear old clothes, bring snacks, and join in the fun. It’s not about making something perfect — just being together in a creative space.
Désirée: No yoga experience is necessary. Wear comfy clothes and bring anything your child might need to feel relaxed. Most importantly, bring a curious mind and an open heart.
Sofia: Don’t worry if you’re not musical. You don’t have to sing. Just focus on bonding with your child. And have fun!
Come and Join Us!
Mini Makers runs every other Friday at The Rickyard in Walpole Park.
Tickets are just £12–£15 per child and adult pair, or £1 for concessions. Family Members enjoy up to 12 Mini Makers sessions per year for free.
All materials are provided, and your ticket also includes free entry to Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery.
Make memories. Get messy. Move together. Make some music. Mini Makers is here to bring joy to your Fridays.
Mini Makers: Messy Play
Explore textures, colours, and creativity in this hands-on, child-led Messy Play session for ages 1–5!
More info
Mini Makers: Move and Flow
Explore movement, rhythm, and relaxation in a fun and nurturing environment with Desire Boyneburg.
More info
Mini Makers: Music and Rhyme
Sing, dance, and play in this joyful Music and Rhyme session for babies and toddlers!
More infoCategories Pitzhanger News
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More infoContact Us
Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery
Ealing Green, London W5 5EQ
Ticketing, Opening Hours and Tour Enquiries: foh@pitzhanger.org.uk
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Venue Hire: 020 3994 0966
Office: 020 3994 0967
Wednesday - Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00
First Thursday of the month: 10:00 - 20:00
Monday - Tuesday: Closed
Bank Holidays: 10:00 - 17:00
Last admissions one hour before closing
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