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Contents:
Web Work:
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Diary:
Day 1: by Esther Clifford and Kayleigh Rousell
We arrived at the Foundry. A swarthy room filled with archaeological artifacts and tools. It was 3:35, quiet and cold. Our group, the web crew, were the first to arrive. Before long another group of children arrived and got straight to work.
The first band of children to work were making a bench. This included using all the tools and a different technique to carve all the unique designs onto pieces of wood and aluminum disks. The children used special materials such as wax, clay, wood and aluminum and got the opportunity to use tools such as hammers and punches to create their designs.
The second gathering of children were already hard at it when we got to their work area. They were looking at Egyptian design and established their own design onto clay pots they had made themselves in an earlier part of the course.
We went to the first group to ask them some questions. From what we unearthed, the children are extremely passionate about the design and practical work. The designs the children chose were based on designs from the past.
One child said: "We’ve being doing this for about 6 weeks and yes we enjoy it because all the things we have been doing are really interesting because it’s about our lives."
Another said: "I have learnt a lot of things about the ancient pottery and that you can make different designs by doing it by hand."
Throughout the weeks they had been studying at the Foundry, the children had been taught to use tools, materials and techniques in all different ways. Some of the children took on these courses because it’s a hobby to do such work, for others, it’s a future occupation they want to undertake.
We let the children carry on their work and went to speak to the tutors. They are always careful about the children using the tools. It’s hard work however and all the adults concerned with the projects find the work extremely rewarding.
Ancient Woodworking Specialist Dr. Damian Goodburn said:"The children aren’t using dangerous tools. They use things like small drills, spoke shaves and relatively small hammers. All the really dangerous tools are being used by me, the technician, the children discuss the design and develop it, which involves very little risk like banging in small nails and things."
The first day at the foundry was over. We had asked plenty of questions and interviewed a number of people. It was nerve racking but exciting. The children were learning and were enthusiastic. It’s a great chance for everyone to meet new people, and for the tutors it’s a rewarding opportunity.
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