Hands That Care: Creative Workshops
Hands That Care: Creative Workshops Inspired by Tamworth Castle
Various dates 4-29 August 2026
This August, discover Tamworth Castle through the eyes of artists as we celebrate the remarkable story of its conservation.
For nearly 1,000 years, countless hands have shaped, repaired and cared for the castle. Today, as essential conservation work protects the building for future generations, we're inviting you to become part of that continuing story.
Inspired by original fragments of the castle—including stone, brick, ironwork and architectural details that have fallen from the building over time—four local artists will help visitors transform these remnants of the past into new works of art. Through sculpture, collage, etching, drawing and storytelling, you'll explore the textures, history and hidden stories held within these extraordinary objects.
Whether you're inspired by the castle's medieval builders, the craftspeople who have repaired it through the centuries, or the beauty found in the conservation work taking place today, these drop-in workshops offer a unique opportunity to see the castle in a completely new way.
Workshops are free to castle visitors (included in general admission.)
From the hands that built the castle, to the hands that care for it today... and perhaps, your hands too.
Emma Hayward Curzon – Sculpting Stories from Stone
Tuesday 4 & Thursday 6 August: 10am-3pm
Using air-drying clay, Emma invites visitors to create sculptural artworks inspired by the castle's historic building fragments and the conservation work taking place today. Explore the textures, shapes and craftsmanship hidden within centuries-old masonry and transform them into your own unique creation.
Rosa Brown – Colouring Conservation
Wednesday 12 & 19 August: 10am-3pm
Inspired by the colours, textures and patterns revealed through the castle's conservation works, Rosa will guide visitors in creating vibrant paper-based artworks that celebrate the beauty of historic materials. Using colour and layered composition, participants will discover fresh ways of seeing familiar architectural details and fragments from the castle's past.
Steph Coley – Stories Hidden in Stone
Saturday 15 & Wednesday 26 August: 10am-3pm
Every fragment has a story to tell. In Steph's imaginative workshops visitors will choose a peice from a collection of historic building fragments before using collage, drawing and creative prompts to imagine its journey through the castle's history.
Where did it once belong? Who touched it? What has it witnessed over hundreds of years? Together you'll create a beautifully illustrated miniature storybook inspired by the castle's enduring memories.
Rae Baker – Beauty in Repair
Saturday 22 & 29 August: 10am-3pm
Conservation reveals stories that are often hidden beneath the surface. Using techniques including etching, image relief and palimpsest, Rae will help visitors create layered artworks inspired by the marks of time, repair and renewal found throughout Tamworth Castle. Explore how traces of the past can become something entirely new, celebrating the beauty that emerges through care and conservation.
Suitable for all ages (children should be accompanied by an adult). No previous artistic experience is needed - just curiosity and imagination! Come along, meet the artists and help celebrate the care, craftsmanship and creativity that have shaped Tamworth Castle for almost a millennium.
