Following old traditions to harness the satisfaction and mindful focus of making by hand
Date of project: 2024-2025
About Crafting Communities
RAMM offers opportunities for people to do a variety of hands-on making, from knitting and crochet to weaving or woodcarving . We connect with historic artisans by trying out old techniques, or nourish ourselves by creating a new spin.
It’s often a comfortable way to be in others’ company – whether talking or silent – while engaged in a creative task.
It can be incredibly satisfying to make a beautiful object. Sometimes it’s more about the process, the repetition, the act of letting your hands take over from your brain.
Participants & partners
RAMM has hosted two Knitstop groups with Wool on the Exe, an affordable series of lessons which bind a social group that might continue independently.
RAMM is working alongside Tanglewood Creations on the Making Our Own History project, to try out activities – starting with pewter metalwork – that are meaningful and enjoyable for these audiences, and inspired by museum objects. Initial sessions are with home-educated young people, teens and dads, and over-50s looking for social events to boost their wellbeing. This will help to shape our Autumn craft programme aimed at people in checked shirts with beards.
A variety of makers, and RAMM’s own knowledgeable curators, host public events to gain and learn about ancient skills.
Arts Council England is a major funder of this strand of work.
Feedback so far
“Sewing next to other people, I feel like I can talk to anyone.” Visitor at RAMM Lates
“When I’m weaving, I sink into the flow. I love doing something that people have done all around the world for hundreds of years.” Craft practitioner
“I want to make something useful, not something pretty.” Research participant for Making our own History
What next?
RAMM is working to expand its offer to appeal to more men, who are underrepresented in creative activities in museums. Community and wellbeing organisations tell us that they are in touch with a sizeable number of men who want to take part in cultural activities but don’t feel comfortable with the format or content of most coffee mornings and art groups.
Further information
Ruth Gidley, Engagement Officer
[email protected] 01392 265305
