This series of online events, Grassroots: Artmaking and Political Struggle, explores relationships between art, activism and political organising in Britain during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. Across six panels over three days, speakers will take a number of different approaches to thinking about how art works and visual culture both interrelate with, and have acted as, catalysts for social change.
About the talk
The talk will look at the often-overlooked furniture in the Kettle’s Yard House and the hidden or unnoticed way Jim Ede related art and objects. You will learn about the history of various pieces of furniture, how Jim acquired them and how the furniture in the House complements the space.
Take your hand sewing skills further with this traditional Dresden plate ‘chrysanthemum’ block. In the first of two classes you will learn to use English paper piecing and applique to create the flower shape of the block. You will also be taught how to use a hand applique technique to apply the plate to the top of the placemat. You will be asked to complete this as ‘homework’ before the next session. The tutor will be available by email during the week to provide support if needed.
This virtual workshop will introduce you to the weird and wonderful world of spices. We’ll take you on a journey to far flung places to find out where our familiar and not so familiar spices come from. We’ll explore the different plants and plant families they come from and learn a bit about their history. What’s the difference between herbs and spices? How do spices pack such a punch of flavour? What’s the best way to use and store your spices at home? Which spices are easy to grow for yourself? Find out these ans
From poisonous plants to poison gardens, gothic garden murder mysteries, and tragic tales of plant hunters, the garden is full of fatalities. In the midst of the hum and buzz of garden life we are stalked by dangers and beset with metaphors of momento mori. A Garden of Eden replete with serpent and wolfsbane. Taking inspiration from horticulture, history and literature we will explore the ways in which gardens and plants can literally be a “fatal attraction”. You may never dare to go into your garden again!
2021 has been declared the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables by the United Nations. Promoting the contribution of fruits and vegetables to diversified, balanced and healthy diets and lifestyles is amongst its aims. This course will explore the chemistry and botany of the main “edible” plant families that contribute fruits and vegetables to the human diet. We will examine the chemistry behind the superfood headlines, discover how plants can be used as crop protection agents and reveal the chemical truth of urban legends such as “green potatoes are poisonous”.
Nowhere in Britain has been shaped by humans as much as Fenland.
Colour in plants is of great cultural importance, influencing many areas of human endeavour including horticulture, art, and gastronomy. Colour also plays a vital role in the biology of plants by absorbing harmful radiation from the sun, capturing light to drive photosynthesis and signalling the availability of flowers and fruit.
Gardens are by definition ‘hives’ of sexual activity from the drowsy bee drenched in pollen to the Temples of Venus that entice us into 18th century landscapes where immorality lurks in the ha-ha. This morning course will trip lightly through the biology of pistils, pastimes of pastoral poets, a plethora of amorous potions, with literary delights of sensual scents on the terrace with Mr Rochester and coy invitations to lurk in the shrubbery.
