Ancient Paints & Pigments

THIS IS A WORKSHOP TAKING PLACE AT THE FSA WIRRAL ROADSHOW - YOU MUST HAVE A ROADSHOW TICKET TO ATTEND THIS WORKSHOP!

Join Kirsty Dexter for this colourful workshop learning to create paints and pigments. This workshop explores the practical history of natural colour-making. Participants will learn how early communities sourced and prepared materials such as ochre, charcoal, and plants to produce pigments, and how these were applied in art, craft, and daily life.

The session is fully hands-on: grinding raw materials, mixing binders, and producing usable paints. Participants will then test their creations on different surfaces, gaining insight into both the process and durability of traditional methods.

The workshop balances practical activity with discussion of historical and cultural context, linking directly to archaeology, heritage, and environmental knowledge. It is suitable for schools, community groups, and public events, and can be adapted for different ages and learning needs.

By the end of the session, participants will leave with both practical samples and a clear understanding of how natural pigments were created and used in the past.