The Big Draw 2021 in Gainsborough: Saturday 25th September, Gainsborough Old Hall
Families are invited to try their hand at the world’s largest drawing festival this September, at an art workshop organised as part of Gainsborough’s Townscape Heritage Initiative.
The “Big Draw” will be taking place at Gainsborough Old Hall on 25th September, with visitors invited to test their sketching and clay tile skills in the gardens of the medieval manor house throughout the day.
Garden guides and a ceramic artist will be on-hand to help anyone at any experience level – throughout the day the artist will even choose tiles to create a panel which will be displayed at Gainsborough Old Hall following the event!
Cllr Paul Howitt-Cowan, member champion for heritage and leisure, said: “This event offers a dual-benefit for local residents – firstly, it is another opportunity to take part in a summer celebration in West Lindsey, in the gardens of the famous Old Hall – and secondly, it also offers a further opportunity for locals to reconnect with their historic roots, appreciate more about the local history of the town, and get back in touch with nature.
“The Townscape Heritage Initiative project is looking to both restore historic buildings in Gainsborough town centre – specifically on the Market Place and on Lord Street – whilst also aiming to provide activities to develop the local community’s understanding and appreciation of local history, and I encourage as many people to come out as possible and enjoy this late summer workshop.”
The festival is being organised by the team behind the Townscape Heritage initiative – a £1.96 million project, made possible by funding from the National Lottery, which looks to restore the standard of repair, maintenance and appearance of properties within the town centre.
Townscape Heritage Activity Co-ordinator, Theresa Workman, said: “We are delighted to be able to take part in such a renowned world-wide festival, with our local workshop in the grounds of such a famous and historic building. It would be fantastic to see as many people as possible turn out to this event – it is completely free and you do not need to register, just turn-up and we will provide you with all the equipment.
“Everyone is invited to have a go at sketching some of the nature that inhabits the garden – whether that’s an insect, or some of the flowers on display. On top of this, you could also head to the clay tables where our Ceramic Artist Shaun Clark will be on hand to help you create small clay tiles, decorated with nature themes. You will be able to take anything you produce home and Shaun will even be choosing some of the design to go into the Old Hall itself!”
The event will take place in the gardens of the recently re-opened Gainsborough Old Hall – now under the leadership and guardianship of English Heritage.
Simon Bean, Head of Historic Properties at English Heritage commented: “Gainsborough Old Hall is, and always will be; at the heart of this community and so we look forward to being involved in this festival. Visitors will be able to see the work that has gone in to the gardens and inside can enjoy a bite to eat in the brand new café or pick up a Gainsborough themed gift in our shop. “
The event is completely free – you do not need to book – although tickets to access the interior of the Old Hall still need to be booked online – https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/gainsborough-old-hall/
