Canalware crafts at Gloucester Waterways Museum

Tuesday, September 04, 2012

Gloucester Waterways Museum

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Gloucester Waterways Museum is set to host an art class with a difference for adults this autumn.

For canalware artist Tony Watkins is travelling down to the museum from his home town of Lytham St Annes to teach budding artists the traditional art of painting roses and castles at all day art sessions being held at the museum on Saturday October 20 and Sunday October 21.

Roses and castles is the name given to the traditional folk art of painting canal boats and canalware. There are limited number of people nationally who have perfected the art and their services are highly sought by people living on the waterways.

"One of the most attractive features of our canals is the colourful decoration of boats and their equipment," said Museum Manager Doreen Davies.

"We are extremely grateful to Tony for taking the time to teach this ancient art and we hope as many people as possible will sign up to the classes," she added.

There have been plenty of suggestions and speculation about where the narrowboat art comes from, but no real evidence.

Original items of canalware are on display on the third floor of the museum at Gloucester Docks.

Participants will be able to take inspiration from these items before creating their own items to take home.

The all day sessions, which include materials, cost £40 a day for £70 for the whole weekend. To book telephone 01452 318200.

Housed in a warehouse at the heart of Gloucester's fine Victorian docks, Gloucester Waterways Museum tells the story of our wonderful canals and rivers. You can climb aboard historic boats, enjoy hands-on fun, watch archive films and browse galleries rich in canal heritage and stories.

For further information on the museum and to plan your trip visit http://tinyurl.com/cx89eth