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March 2015 - Heritage Skills Centre Pyrography Course
The Heritage Skills Centre is a relatively new development nestled within the historic setting of Lincoln Castle. Despite it's ultra modern design, the grass roofed centre blends in well with the surroundings.
There is an established Programme of Traditional Crafts in place at the centre offering a wide range of courses from blacksmithing to willow weaving. Susan is delighted to have her increasingly popular introductory pyrography course now included.
Since pyrography can be traced back to at least the 16th century, it can certainly be regarded as a traditional craft. However, it has come a long way since the early days of heating steel tools over a charcoal fire to burn designs on wood and other natural materials.
The six hour workshop is designed to be informative as well as practical and commences with a look at the historical aspect of the art form. A thorough discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of various types of modern electric machines follows, together with advice on suitable surface materials. Each student has the use of a machine and the focus is on wood and leather.
The morning is spent learning how to handle the pen and investigating a variety of shading techniques. Utilising the knowledge acquired, students then go on to create their own unique wooden coaster sampler. Guidance on transferring a design, as well as advice on lettering and drawing a pencil guideline directly on to the surface, enables students to produce several more completed projects in wood and leather to take home.
Artistic ability is not essential for the course as a choice of designs and resources are made available. However, creativity is encouraged and students are invariably amazed at just what they are able to achieve in a day!
All four students who attended the first course in March 2015 at the Heritage Skills Centre thoroughly enjoyed their day. One student commented "brilliant for someone like myself who isn't 'arty' at all!"
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