Get creative at Knightshayes this half-term
Knightshayes, the National Trust property on the outskirts of Tiverton, has teamed up with the education organisation Daisi to provide fun and thought-provoking arts activities for families this February half-term holiday.
Knightshayes has become a heritage partner to the Daisi project ‘Remembering the First World War: what it means to us’. This commemorative project, funded by a £34,800 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, provides exciting workshops which enable families and young-persons community groups in Tiverton to explore local stories from that time.
The young people are then given the opportunity to produce creative responses to the stories during half-term workshops. Materials produced during animation and print-making sessions at Knightshayes will form part of a summer exhibition commemorating the house as a VAD hospital during the First World War.
On Sunday 15 February visitors can drop-in from 11am to 4pm to do some movie-making. They can make characters and scenery with lots of exciting materials, then use computers and cameras to make the characters move on screen. The end result will be a fabulous film that will be posted on the internet for everyone to download. The day is most suitable for over 7's but younger helpers are welcome.
On Monday16 February a stop-motion animation studio will be in action for visitors to experience through pre-booked sessions. Daisi are making a film inspired by local stories from the First World War and need help to bring them to life using stop motion software, cameras and laptops. This involves making characters and then working in small groups to create animated scenes. The animation will then be available to download online.
On Tuesday 17 February, between 11am and 4pm, families can drop-in to have a go at printmaking and help make a large banner commemorating Tiverton in the First World War. Using their own individually designed plate, visitors can print their portion of the banner. The end result will be displayed at Knightshayes later in the year. Again this activity is most suitable for over 7's but younger helpers are welcome.
Rachael Hall, Learning and Engagement Officer, said: “The project will be a fantastic way to contribute to the exhibition. Artwork produced by young people, in response to our local First World War historical documents and our historic setting, will create a poignant and thought provoking contrast to our original source material.”
The drop-in activity days on 15 and 17 February are free. Normal admission to Knightshayes applies. For the animation studio day on 16 February, £10 is required to secure a place and normal admission to Knightshayes applies. To book, phone Daisi on 01392 385214 and ask for Lizzie. To learn more contact Knightshayes Learning and Engagement Officer at: rachael.hall1@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01884 254665.
