Home Education: the Magic of Natural Dyes

Get ready to get messy, creative and curious with Lo-Fi Alchemists as they introduce home educated children aged 6+ to a colourful world of natural dyes, plants and pigments in this Finding my roots: the magic of natural dyes workshop!Session 1: 10:30 to 12:30 - ages 6 to 9 (if there are mixed age groups with some children over 9, please book onto the morning workshop)
Session 2: 13:30 to 15:30 - ages 10+ (if there are mixed age groups with some children under 10, please book onto the morning workshop)Young people will become 'dye detectives', experimenting with different plant-based colourants and observing the interesting outcomes. What starts as a single-coloured dye can often become a surprising palette of shades!Weather permitting, there will be outdoor exploration of the castle herb garden and grounds to identify and learn about different plants and forage for materials to make your own natural dyes to colour twig-spools of cotton thread.Finally, you'll paint bookmarks to take home using natural earth-pigment paints. Young people can incorporate colours discovered and created during the workshop into their artwork. The finished bookmarks will become part of an exhibition celebrating the Finding My Roots project at Wakefield Artwalk in January 2027.These workshops will be delivered at Pontefract Castle by artists from Lo-Fi Alchemists with funding from Wakefield Council Culture Grants and West Yorkshire Combined Authority - Nature Season.Please note: Only one adult per booked group will be permitted due to capacity.If you would like more information about the workshop please email us at museumslearning@wakefield.gov.uk.FAQsHow can I contact the organiser with any questions?
Call 01924 302700 and leave a message. We will respond as soon as possible. This number is monitored during office hours: Monday to Friday, 9 to 4. (It is not monitored at weekends and on bank holidays.)Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
No, we will have your details at the door.Refund Policy
This is a free workshop. If you can no longer attend, please let us know.