Visitors to Stratford-Upon-Avon and residents with a CV37 postcode are invited to the beautiful surroundings of Shakespeare’s New Place to take part in a creative hands-on workshop every Friday, as Folio at 400 celebrations continue.
Every Friday from 4 to 25 August 2023, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (SBT) has invited four West Midlands-based artists to showcase their creative work and lead a hands-on workshop inspired by Shakespeare's First Folio.
‘‘Folio Fridays’’ form part of a special programme of events and activities taking place across Shakespeare’s family homes in Stratford-upon-Avon throughout the summer as visitors are welcomed to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the First Folio.
From printing to poetry, each workshop offers a unique opportunity for attendees to meet the artist and discover more about the different techniques or processes they use, which are also linked to the Folio.
‘’As our First Folio celebrations continue, we’re thrilled to unveil ‘’Folio Fridays’’. This is a first for us, and part of our commitment to programming activities that tempt audiences back to the Shakespeare family homes across the year.
‘’From Printmaking to Sculpting a Legacy, the workshops are a wonderful opportunity for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to embrace a new skill, all while immersing themselves in the breathtaking grounds of a property Shakespeare once called home.’’
Commented Jennifer Shufflebotham, creative programme manager at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
The first interactive workshop is printmaking with renowned printmaker, Louisa Hare. During the session, attendees will explore how the First Folio was printed, all whilst getting their hands inky using Louisa’s traditional letterpress.
In the second workshop, Sculpting a Legacy, visitors are invited to join Frances Yeung, the local artist behind the new balcony piece at Shakespeare’s New Place. During the workshop, Francis will guide participants in exploring the gathering of facts to get a new insight and better understanding of the iconic playwright.
Talented playwrights from Windswept Workshops are hosting the SBT’s third Folio Friday event. For those struggling to string their words together, the playwrights will help with their washing line poetry during this creative writing session.
In the fourth workshop, attendees will meet photographer, Clare Hewitt and create their own environmentally friendly lumen print. Clare will teach attendees the art of using natural techniques and materials from the New Place garden to create the print.
‘’Folio Fridays’’ run from Friday 4 to Friday 25 August 2023 and is included in admission to Shakespeare’s New Place. Visitors who purchase the Shakespeare’s Story ticket can visit all four Folio Fridays, as well as 12 month’s free entry to all the Shakespeare family homes.
Shakespeare’s Story tickets are priced at £25 for adults, and £12.50 for children, with under 3s going free. Residents with a CV37 postcode can attend the workshops for free.
For more information, please visit https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/.