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Make & Craft

,Conservatory & Garden Room
A group of young people sitting around a table doing crafts

Get creative with fabric, fashion, crafts and textile and take part in these workshops led by Dirty Looks artists Matty Bovan, Ayumi Kajiwara and Alice Potts.

Join us for a vibrant day celebrating fashion, craft and sustainability as we mark the final week of our exhibition Dirty Looks.

Guided by artists Matty Bovan, Ayumi Kajiwara and Alice Potts, you will transform pre-loved items from your wardrobe into something new, experiment with found objects to create garments and sculptural pieces and explore the exciting potential of seaweed-based biomaterials. Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast or just curious to try something different, this is a fun, hands-on way to rethink how we make and wear.

Round off the day with a cuppa and chat with the artists and fellow makers.

See the full programme below.

Tagged with: Take part Art & design

Age recommendation:
This day is open to all from ages 7+
All attendees under the age of 16 must come accompanied by an adult. Some workshops involve using hot water. Please always remain with your adult if you are under the age of 16. 

Image by Williamz Omope 

Ticket prices

Standard
£10

Programme

DIY Artistry: Live Tapestry Installation with Matty Bovan 
11am - 3pm (drop-in), Conservatory Well 

York-based designer Matty Bovan, whose fans include Björk, Rita Ora & Tilda Swinton, invites you to bring your own pre-loved garment or scraps of fabric to add to a live tapestry installation, demonstrating his DIY ethos and passion for repurposing materials, while extoling the freedom of creativity. Held within a secret clearing amongst sprawling banana plants and verdant succulents! 

Suitable for all ages

 

Kitchen-to-Material: The Art of Making Bioplastic with Alice Potts
11am – 12noon | 12.15pm - 1.15pm | 1.30pm - 2.30pm | 2.45pm - 3.45pm 
Garden Room

Discover the revolutionary world of biomaterials and unlock the secrets to circular design by creating bespoke, biodegradable plastic films using basic kitchen ingredients. 

Suitable for ages 7+ 
Timed slots, first come first served

 

Found Futures: Wearable Sculptures with Ayumi Kajiwara
11am – 3pm (drop-in)

Join artist /designer Ayumi Kajiwara to explore how to use found objects to create unique wearable sculptures or garments that explore memory and transformation. This workshop encourages you to rethink beauty and sustainability through the process of making together.

Suitable for all ages

 

Afternoon Tea with Plum & Matty Bovan 
3.15pm - 4pm, Conservatory Well

An audience with two wild magpies: Matty Bovan and his mum Plum share how creativity forms the backbone to their relationship, how Plum has inspired Matty’s design practice, and the unique synergy of their combined penchant for DIY and repurposing. Consume their mutual affection for tea and cake too! Bring your own pre-loved garment or scraps of fabric to add to Matty's live tapestry installation. 

Suitable for ages 12+
Limited capacity – sign up on day

Conservatory & Garden Room

Location
The Garden Room is on Level 3 of the main Barbican building.

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.