Families are invited to join Art Hoppers in making their own historic artefact inspired by the discoveries found at the archeological site of ‘The Theatre’ on New Inn Broadway in Shoreditch.

The Theatre, London’s original playhouse, opened in 1576 and staged the many celebrated plays of Shakespeare. The site offers significant insights into our literary past and exposes the stories of Tudor London with evidence reaching as far back as the Middle ages.

Art Making with Art Hoppers:

Get messy, design and take away your own historic artefact as found in ‘The Theatre’!

Make your own ceramic tile inspired by ‘Westminster’ floor tiles discovered at the excavation site.

Materials include: terracotta air-dry clay and clay slip (clay mixed with water to make a creamy paste – it’s like thick paint).

Children will experience making their own tiles from clay – cut a slab of clay from the block by pulling a thin line of wire through the material. Design your own pattern , draw your design and cut out a stencil. Apply your stencil to the tile and sponge clay slip over the surface. Remove the stencil to reveal your decorated tile. All tiles are FREE to take home!

Please note:

The clay will be wet and the activity messy. Aprons will be provided but we can not take responsibility for marks on clothes.

The tiles will take 24-48 hours to dry and be approx 10cm x 10cm. Please bring a flat plastic container to take them away in. Once dry they’ll make great decorative artworks or functional coasters for your favourite drink.

The session was really well considered and the children enjoyed it tremendously. It gave the children an opportunity to explore their local area and consolidated their knowledge of local history.
Marion Kiely, Year 5 teacher, William Patten Primary School

Image © Pau Ros, Art Hoppers


Suitable for ages 5+

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