Crafting Botanical Inks Using traditional Dye Plants & Locally Collected Materials Book a Workshop with Lucy Mayes, Founder of London Pigment and Author of ‘The Natural Pigment Handbook’. Join Lucy in her Southsea studio, Portsmouth, for a 2 hour hands-on workshop exploring the art of natural colour making. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to deepen your practice, you’ll leave with new knowledge, hands-on experience, and your own handmade colours. About the Session Learn how to create hand-made inks using bought or ethically collected plant matter. Principles & Theory Introduction to colourants, pigments, dyes and making ink. The use of pH modifiers to create different shades from the same plant. The colourants common to plants you will find in the U.K will be outlined alongside specific processes used to extract them. Exploration of water soluble binders both purchased, derived from kitchen waste and locally collected, e.g cherry sap. Processes & Techniques Run through of raw materials used for botanical ink making & how to extract dye Ink making processes that include the following materials; oak galls, brazilwood, madder, walnuts, earth pigments and verdigris Practical ink making demonstration, ink testing & filling out especially designed colour charts Workshops with Lucy Lucy’s workshops are warm, inclusive, and fun, offering a unique opportunity to learn traditional pigment and paint-making techniques in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Together, we’ll explore both practical processes and the theory and chemistry behind colour creation. Lucy is passionate about sharing her knowledge of the heritage of colour making, ensuring that every workshop is both creative and experimental while grounded in a solid understanding of traditional processes. She brings a balance of serious scholarship and intuitive skill, encouraging participants to learn through both study and instinct. All Learning Experiences Include: Introduction & Tour A short introduction to Lucy’s work as an artist and pigment maker, followed by a guided tour of her pigment collection- a cornucopia of raw and processed materials used as visual aids. Practical Demonstrations & Study Hands-on demonstrations paired with in-depth exploration of dyes, pigments, paints, and inks-all made from scratch during the session. Materials Provided All ingredients and tools needed for pigment and paint making are supplied. Learning Resources Printed handouts, worksheets, and recipes to support continued learning after the workshop. Colour Chart Activity London Pigment colour charts to complete during the session, presented in a cardboard tube or envelope for participants to take home. Take-Home Materials Carefully prepared materials from the session- including pigments, paints, and completed colour charts- provided in designated containers for participants to take away. Refreshments: Light refreshments included, with vegan-friendly alternatives available. Bespoke Workshops If you’d like to arrange a tailored session, please email Lucy at [email protected] to discuss your needs and options. Lucy is happy to cater for all ages and designs bespoke workshops for a wide range of individuals, whether creative or more technically focused. She has taught artists, conservators, designers, professionals, and those who simply want to have a go. For larger groups (up to 15 participants), or if you’d like to chat about accessibility needs, please do get in touch, Lucy will be happy to help. General Information & Recommendations About the Location Workshops are held at Hotwalls Studios, a vibrant studio community housed in the arches of the Old Barracks in Old Portsmouth. Address: Studio 11, The Hotwalls Studios, Point Battery & Barracks, Broad Street, Portsmouth, PO1 2FS. Accessibility: Ground floor, step-free access from the street Transport Direct trains from London Victoria & Waterloo (1.5–2 hours, no changes) Nearest station: Portsmouth & Southsea (10-minute walk to the studio) On Arrival Come straight in! Call or text Lucy on 07739697851 if you need to contact her. What to Bring If you prefer working with your own surfaces, feel free to bring along a sketchbook and a pen or pencil of your choice- otherwise, all materials will be provided. The studio can get a little chilly in the depths of winter, so it’s a good idea to wrap up warm. You’re also welcome to bring your own containers if you’d like to reuse them for taking materials home. If not, Lucy will be happy to provide some for you. Allergies Please let Lucy know via email if you have any allergies. While every precaution is taken to minimise exposure to fine particulates produced during pigment making, participants with severe asthma or respiratory sensitivities are strongly advised to inform Lucy in advance. All substances used in workshops are non-toxic. She will prepare a pre-dispersed pigment mixture (using alcohol or water) to ensure a safer and more comfortable experience.* Portsmouth Recommendations Make the most of your visit to Portsmouth with some of Lucy’s local favourites: Places to eat (within a 3 minute walk) The Canteen Point Battery & Barracks, Broad St, Old Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2FS Baffled Coffee Quay House, Broad St, Old Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2GL Places to Visit Aspex Gallery Contemporary art gallery in the historic Vulcan Building, Gunwharf Quays, PO1 3BF. (20 minute walk) Portsmouth Museum & Art Gallery Explore local history, culture, and art. (15 minute walk) Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Discover the city’s rich maritime heritage, including HMS Victory and the Mary Rose. (15 minute walk) *Please note that by taking part in the workshop, participants accept that they are engaging in activities that carry a small degree of inherent risk, and Lucy cannot be held responsible for any adverse reactions.
