Design Camp for ages 11 to 14: Designing with Light and Shadow

Led by Christie Swallow, one of the museum's Design Researchers in Residence, this workshop will introduce the history and process of Cyanotype as a photographic medium and its possibilities for art making. Inspired by a visit to the museum's garden, they will explore how design can harmonise with nature.

Participants will explore the possibilities of designing with sunlight and shadow to make cyanotype prints on paper and textile, creating layered compositions using leaves and other objects. At the end of the workshop, they can present their work to the group and take their cyanotype prints home.

Learning outcomes:

• Working with the sun and natural dyes to create light sensitive compositions.
• Preparing and processing cyanotypes.
• Composition and collaging techniques.
• Creating sustainable artworks that are in harmony with Nature.
• Tinting cyanotypes to turn them from blue to other colours.
• Presenting and sharing the creative process with others.

Please note:

• This workshop is suitable for young people aged 11-14. All participants must be dropped off and picked up by an adult. You can find additional information in the sections below.
• Capacity is limited, we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.
• All equipment, materials and light refreshments will be provided, but participants will need to bring a packed lunch.
• This event is wheelchair accessible, with step-free access throughout the museum.

• All participants must be dropped off and picked up by a parent, carer or responsible adult. A member of our team will greet you on arrival and sign participants in.
• We ask all bookers to provide an emergency contact name and number. Please ensure this person is available for the duration of the session.
• The workshop content is tailored to a specific age group. Participants outside the advertised age range may find the session less accessible or engaging.
• If there’s anything we can do to support your child’s participation, whether around mobility, communication, sensory processing, emotional regulation or anything else, you’re welcome to let us know at checkout. Sharing access needs is entirely optional and helps us prepare the session in the most inclusive way. This session has capacity for up to 20 participants, led by one or two facilitators, with a typical adult-to-child ratio of 1:10.
  If your child receives additional support in their education setting, you are welcome to bring a supporting adult with them at no extra cost. Please note that we are not able to provide one-to-one support ourselves. If you have any questions or want to discuss specific access requirements, please get in touch with the team at DMAcademy@designmuseum.org.

“I like the ambiance of the workshop. The teacher were nice and it was fun.”

“It was a fun day with a lot of fun activities that I discovered throughout the day.”

Background image © Christie Swallow.