CHALK
SCULPTING
Saturday 19th May
Tutor: David Freeman
This course will look at the origins of chalk and the use of chalk as an art medium in pre-history. We will look at examples of archaeological finds and explore the history of Iron Age art work styles.
There will be hands –on experience of producing a number of sculptures.
Cost: £50
ROUND
HOUSE CONSTRUCTION
Sunday 20th May
Tutor: David Freeman
Topics covered include evidence and history of the round house in Britain; materials and sourcing; carpentry in ancient times; use and design of tools; frame construction and engineering dynamics; wattle and daub (and alternatives); thatching methods/materials; living conditions and management. With practical experience.
Cost: £75
AN
INTRODUCTION TO ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION & RECORDING
TECHNIQUES
WEEKEND COURSE: Saturday/Sunday 2nd/3rd June
Tutors: Steve Dyer and Joyce Herve
The two day course will cover a number of basic archaeological fieldwork and recording techniques, including introduction to archaeology, finds types and dates, hand excavation of layers and features, section and plan drawing, basic site surveying, archaeological photography, finds processing, basics of stratigraphy.
Cost: £60
REMEDIES
FOR TODAY FROM NATIVE BRITISH HERBS
Saturday 2nd June
Tutor: Christina Stapley
A day for exploring those herbs available to our ancestors and examining both their traditional uses handed down to us, and the ways in which they are used in herbal medicine today. There will be time to look at each whole herb as we make safe and useful herbal remedies such as teas, ointments and oils for everyday conditions. One recipe will be available to take home. Herbs featured will include betony, agrimony, meadowsweet, marshmallow, burdock, nettle, ribwort plantain, elder, St. John’s wort, self-heal and yarrow.
Cost: £45
Saturday 9th June
Tutor: Neil Burridge
Metal smiths in the Bronze Age (1000BC) developed a surprisingly high level of skill in wrought bronze and gold working using twisting and forging methods in the production of wrist and neck torques to supply the increasing demand for jewellery and body adornment.
In this workshop, you will use these same methods to make your own wrought silver wrist torque with twisted body and tapered end. Working with pure silver square rod 3.6mm x 140mm we will explore forging with stone tools, different twisting techniques and the problems of work-hardening and annealing metals. Pure silver is rarely seen today, being much softer to work. As it does not tarnish and always returns to the soft white colour of the moon, one can understand why some ancient peoples valued it as highly as gold.
Cost: £75 including materials
POTTERY
Two linked sessions: Saturday 9th June
& Saturday/Sunday 21st/22nd July
Tutor: David Freeman
Session 1: Evidence for pottery. Design and use of pots. Sourcing clay. Pugging and preparation. Pot construction.
Session 2: Evidence for kilns and ways of firing. Construction methods of kilns. Firing pots using assorted methods (takes 24 hours minimum).
We can help arrange overnight accommodation.
Cost: £70 for the two sessions
ROMAN
DAY - HERBS IN THE VILLA
Sunday 1st July
Tutor: Christina Stapley
Celebrating the popular herbs grown for use in the Roman home. We owe some of our most valued herbs, thyme, sage, bay, white horehound, lovage, garlic and more to the coming of the Romans. Through the works of Pliny, Celsus, and other Roman writers we can understand why they felt it so essential to bring these Mediterranean herbs to Britain. In making authentic medicinal recipes in the actual “Roman Villa” at Butser, we can also explore how these herbs can help us today. Led by a medical herbalist the course offers information on safe use of herbs in treating everyday problems. Stress is not new, the Romans were enlightened in psychology as well as surgery and used fragrances to relax tensions. Breathe in the uplifting perfumes as you mould rose petals with exotic ingredients to make the ‘rhodides’ of Dioscorides, or weave herbs in wreaths to cure headaches. Learn to blend herbs to make pills, drinks and salves. In short, learn about Romano-British daily life.
Cost: £45
FLINT
KNAPPING
Sunday 1st July
Tutor: Will Lord
Will has been flint knapping for 30 years and with his experience you will learn how to make a range of flint tools using coarse granite pebbles and deer antler hammers, taking home what you make. Flint itself also hosts a number of interesting features and a few surprises !
Cost: £85
A
MASTER CLASS IN ROMAN FRESCOES
Saturday 21st July
Tutor: Madeleine Allison
Spend a day studying the history and techniques of this ancient art and make a genuine buon-fresco panel to take home.
Cost: £50
ROMAN FOOD
WORKSHOP WITH ROMAN FEAST (10.30am - 5.00pm)
Saturday 18th August
Tutor: Sally Grainger
Spend the day with the Roman food historian and cook Sally Grainger and her husband fellow Roman specialist Dr Chris Grocock. The day includes lecture and presentation on the nature of Roman -Italian food and the wider social aspect of Romano-British dining practice where we can detect differences; watch and participate in the preparation and presentation of a Roman feast in the villa kitchen which will be shared by all participants. Plenty of opportunity for lively discussion and debate. Participants may if they wish dress for dinner and experiment with reclining to eat.
Cost: £ 50
CORACLE
BUILDING
Saturday 18th August
Tutor: David Freeman
A unique opportunity to build your own coracle and paddle with a wooden frame and cloth cover waterproofed with pitch. If time allows, there will be a trip to water to try your coracle out. Trailer/roof rack required to take your coracle home with you.
Cost: £100 - Maximum number 5
TEXTILES
Sunday 19th August
Tutor: David Freeman
Learn about evidence for clothing and materials; clothing styles in prehistory; use of fibres; loom design and use. Spin a yarn, dye with plants including woad; practise on a range of looms; weave patterns. Look at construction of clothing.
Cost: £60
FLINT
KNAPPING
Saturday 8th September
Tutor: Will Lord
Will has been flint knapping for 30 years and with his experience you will learn how to make a range of flint tools using coarse granite pebbles and deer antler hammers, taking home what you make. Flint itself also hosts a number of interesting features and a few surprises !
Cost: £85
AN
INTRODUCTION TO ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION & RECORDING
TECHNIQUES
WEEKEND COURSE: Saturday/Sunday 8th/9th
September
Tutors: Steve Dyer and Joyce Herve
The two day course will cover a number of basic archaeological fieldwork and recording techniques, including introduction to archaeology, finds types and dates, hand excavation of layers and features, section and plan drawing, basic site surveying, archaeological photography, finds processing, basics of stratigraphy.
Cost: £60
HEDGEROW BASKETRY FOR
IMPROVERS
Saturday 13th October
Tutor: Christina Stapley
Little experience is necessary to enjoy this day making a basket to take home. However, this is an opportunity for those who have previously made baskets on beginners’ days to return and while appreciating historical uses, make different shapes of baskets, or concentrate more on adding decorative weaves to their experience. Instruction will again be given in choosing the right stems, harvesting times and methods, storage and preparation of weavers and stakes. Further practical experience in the ancient craft of basket weaving and design will add to a working knowledge of the textures, appearance and flexibility of various natural materials. Some materials provided and information on suitable stems to harvest from home and bring is also given on booking. Anyone interested in a beginners’ day should also contact the Farm.
Cost: £45
Saturday 13th October
Tutor: Neil Burridge
The Ballintober sword, dating to c1100BC, is the first leaf shaped sword made in Britain. This workshop will explore the manufacture of swords from the period and a 21” blade will be cast using authentic methods. Each person will then work on their own blade, identical to the one cast by the group, and finish the day by looking at handle designs.
Cost: £90 including materials
ROUND
HOUSE CONSTRUCTION
Saturday 13th October
Tutor: David Freeman
Topics covered include evidence and history of the round house in Britain; materials and sourcing; carpentry in ancient times; use and design of tools; frame construction and engineering dynamics; wattle and daub (and alternatives); thatching methods/materials; living conditions and management. With practical experience.
Cost: £75
BLACKSMITHING
Sunday 14th October
Tutor: David Freeman
This course will look at the prehistoric use of iron and the archaeology of iron working and tools. There will be hands on experience of the construction of a basic forge and bellows and the forging and production of a finished item to take away at the end of the day.
Protective shoes/boots advised. Goggles and gloves provided.
Cost : £75.00
NATURAL
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
Sunday 25th November
Tutor: Julie Wileman
Make your own unique table centre, door wreath and tree ornaments from natural materials and a little genius! Hands on day school will help you become the envy of all your friends !
Cost : £55.00
