Join us in the museum on selected Fridays and Saturdays to see the Harley Studio artists at work!
Drop in between 11am and 3pm to see the museum brought to life with demonstrations. You might see puppets, pottery, painting conservation in action, and much more… What will you discover?
Upcoming demonstrations
Friday 18 September: Freeman and Young Conservation
Watch as our onsite painting restorers retouch a historic painting, treating areas of paint loss and damage. Discover how Sarah and Jennifer bring old and forgotten paintings back to life, what materials they use, and the secrets they uncovered with their restoration of A View of Antwerp.
Friday 2 October: Goetze & Gwynn
Ever wondered how organ builders give organ pipes their voice? Join us for this voicing demonstration in the museum, as organ restorers and builders Goetze & Gwynn show you the processes behind making flues and reeds speak. Prepare to hear some harmonious (and some not-so-harmonious) tones, toots and whistles as they bring a collection of pipes in and out of working order.
Friday 16 and Saturday 17 October: Phil Neal
Join sculptor Phil Neal as he demonstrates letter carving in the museum foyer. Watch him meticulously chip away at a chunk of Italian Limestone and carve out letters and numbers in his own personal style. A registered heritage craft that has been practised in Britain since Roman times, letter carvers are now few and far between. Don’t miss this chance to see Phil working and ask him all your questions!
Friday 13 November: Steve Handley
Come and meet Steve Handley, the mind behind the quirky cabinets inscribed with rhymes and poems sold in the gallery shop. Watch him punch letters into wood and hear him talk through his processes – from reclaimed wood to polished cabinets.
