Ancient Paints & Pigments workshop Wednesday 10th September 2025 10am - 4pm
*MAXIMUM NUMBER FOR THIS WORKSHOP IS 12*
From Prehistoric cave paintings to Roman frescoes, with a focus on Iron Age wall paintings and shields decorations, this course will get you to discover what minerals were used to create pigments for paints (not to dye cloth with, it is very different!), how these pure colours were, what to use as binders/ mixers to turn them into paints and how to make simple paintbrushes from foraged materials to finally create your own piece of ancient and natural art.
After a short introductory lecture, the morning will be spent creating several pigments from natural minerals gathered and made by Caroline, the tutor. Each participant will be able to take some home with them at the end of the day or can choose to use them in the afternoon.
After a well deserved lunch break, you will learn how to make paintbrushes using feathers, sticks, animal hair, vegetal fibres, etc. Time allowing, participants will then use them to paint on a piece of natural (dry) wood with handmade mineral pigments and a choice of historical binders (egg tempera, linseed oil, animal fat, casein paint...).
Individual paintings and paintbrushes will be taken home by the participants as well as some of the pigments made on the day.
Please bring:
- Do not hesitate to bring an apron if you think it would come in handy (these will not be provided on the day).
- a few glass jars with tight fitting lids to take you favourite mineral pigments and/or mixed paints back home with you.
- your favourite note book or sketch book if you want to use them to keep notes of the various colours and paints used throughout the workshop. A sheet of thick paper will be provided otherwise.
- Please keep in mind that your painting might not be dry by the end of the day, so bringing a small box (or a big tupperware) to transport it safely is strongly recommended!
Workshop tutor: Caroline Nicolay is an archaeologist and heritage interpreter specialising in bringing historic techniques and crafts to life, from paint making in early history to open-fire cooking using clay pots. Her research was focusing on Iron Age wall paintings and evolved towards historic and natural building techniques.
Mainly working with museums and heritage sites, she has been running courses for a number of years, hoping to share widely some techniques that are both thousands of years old and increasingly popular in our 21st century as sustainable arts & building practices.
Accommodation is not included but if required it is available within the local area, some suggestions can be found on our 'local accommodation' page - please arrange this yourself.
Refreshments are provided on the day but not lunches.
*Please bring a packed lunch*
Toilet and classroom all easily accessible from the car park.
Attendees must be over 16.