with Ana Logreira (22 and 23 May)

Explore the world of lime through a hands-on activity that connects ancient craft with modern conservation. Learn what lime is, how it’s made, and its role in preserving historic buildings and artworks. Working in pairs, you’ll mix lime-based mortar and prepare a panel before using spatulas and modelling tools to create a high-relief design.

with Helen Johannessen (15 and 16 May)

Discover the tactile nature of clay by creating impressions and patterns to form a unique relief plaque. Drawing inspiration from the architecture of St Katherine Cree Church—whether it’s the geometric ceiling or stunning stained-glass windows—you’ll use everyday objects and simple tools to add texture to the clay. Once your design is complete, you’ll mix and pour plaster over the clay, then peel it away to reveal your finished piece.

with Rob Postle (12 and 13 June)

Get hands-on with nature in this beginner-friendly stone carving session. Using soft Maltese limestone and simple hand tools, you’ll trace and carve the form of a real leaf into stone—creating your own small relief sculpture to take home. Inspired by the textures and patterns of the natural world, this workshop encourages participants to slow down, observe closely, and engage in a tactile, meditative process.

with Sarah Davis (22 and 23 May)

Explore the ancient craft of illumination—the art of applying gold to paper or parchment. Traditionally used in decorated manuscripts, these gilded creations can also stand alone as beautiful artworks. You’ll learn how to gild an illuminated letter with real gold leaf and add intricate floral motifs to the border, bringing history to life with your own hands!

with Takako Jin (15 and 16 May, 12 and 13 June)

Get a glimpse into the world of historical woodcarving and what it’s like to be a professional woodcarver. We’ll look at examples of different kinds of ornamental woodcarving and how it can be used in different contexts, such as architecture, interiors, furniture, and sculpture. You’ll learn about the tools used by woodcarvers and also get a chance to have a go at carving some wood with a traditional wooden mallet and a razor-sharp chisel.

with Jo Grogan (22 and 23 May)

Get hands-on with heritage design in this clay workshop inspired by the timeless patterns of William Morris. You’ll create your own relief tile—cutting, shaping, and building up a floral motif in low relief using traditional techniques and simple tools. Learn how clay’s flexibility allows for experimentation and refinement, just as sculptors have done for centuries. By the end, you’ll have a beautifully crafted tile —and a new appreciation for how historic design meets modern creativity.

with York Glaziers Trust and Sophie Gwynn and Rachel Thomas (15 and 16 May)

You’ll be introduced to the wondrous medieval craft of stained glass. What is glass exactly? How and why did medieval people make stained-glass windows? We’ll explore the history and science behind glass-making and how conservators care for our precious heritage of 700-year-old windows today. Compare historic methods of repair to modern techniques using resin adhesives and protective sunscreen. Try cutting glass with a tungsten glass cutter, painting on glass with natural hair brushes, and bending lead with your hands. Could this be the career for you?

with Rob Postle (22 and 23 May)

Explore the art of traditional letter-cutting in this hands-on workshop. Using classic hand tools and working with limestone, you’ll discover the techniques behind this centuries-old craft. You’ll be guided through the process of shaping letterforms with care and precision—no experience needed, just a steady hand and a bit of curiosity. If time allows, you’ll carve your own initials to take home.

with Jo Grogan (15 and 16 May and 12 and 13 June)

For thousands of years, gold leaf has been used to decorate objects across cultures—prized for its rich colour, luminous shine, and lasting beauty. Gilding demands both precision and a creative eye. In this hands-on session, you’ll gild a small decorative object using traditional techniques. After applying a mordant adhesive and allowing it to set, you’ll learn how to handle gold leaf, before carefully laying it down to achieve a beautiful finish.