First Fridays: Handmade: A Materials and Making Odyssey

Description

Until a couple of years ago, Dr Anna Ploszajski was just your average materials scientist, going about her life in the lab putting theory and formulae to the findings in front of her. But one day, she smashed a very expensive test-tube (who hasn’t?) and took it to the glassblower to be fixed. She stood, transfixed, as this master craftsperson coaxed the gooey not-quite-liquid into the repair, and at once had a shattering realisation; she’d been calling herself an expert in materials, and yet knew nothing of how glass behaves under the hand, or how to forge an iron bar, or shape a spinning ball of clay. An unknown parallel material world opened up to her – and that was the realm of the craftspeople.

This set her off on a journey of discovery; she interviewed over ninety makers, artists, movers and shakers about the materials that made them tick; silversmiths, wood carvers, bakers, knitters, tanners, embroiderers, jewellers, enamellers, dentists, conservators and makers of wigs, glues, paints, watches, dyes, paper, lime, slime, trumpets and more. She learnt to speak their language, heard the stories of lives touched by each of these substances and, by getting her hands very dirty and at one point quite badly cut, finally found the true meaning of materials through making.

Join Anna on this craft odyssey as she recounts a scientists’ adventure through the world of craft. Meet the craftspeople yourself at the immersive pre-lecture making experience throughout the Museum of Making’s building, sit back for stories, stand-up and making demonstrations. Will it be sciencey? Yes, but not overly so. Is it overly-ambitious? Probably. Will you come away having ordered a sewing machine and a full suede welding suit online? Only time (and coming along) will tell.

6 – 7.30pm – Meet the Makers, drop in demonstrations throughout the Museum of Making

7.30 – 8.30pm – Artist talk with Dr Anna Ploszajski

8.30 – 9.30pm – Networking and socialising in the Italian Mill

Suitable for 18+.

Booking essential. Limited places.

Suggested Donation £5 / Free to Friends of Derby Museums.

Accessibility at Derby Museums

Image © Dr Anna Ploszajski

In partnership with Heritage Crafts