Insights

Find: Material wonderlands no.2

null — **Close up shot of risoprint designs. Photograph: Saira Naizi**

Written by
Saira Niazi Published date
23 March 2018

In the 2nd part of our Material Wonderlands series, Saira introduces you to 3 different spaces where you can try out different creative techniques and materials.

There are many places in the city where you can engage with different materials, learn new skills and techniques and develop a creative practice. From painting to pottery, there’s no shortage of creative workshops on offer by artists, in some of London’s hidden spaces. Below are just some of the places you can take part in a workshop for free or at low cost.

Blackhorse Workshop

an image of a wall of shelves with various materials on — **Photograph: Saira Niazi**

Blackhorse Workshop, a fully equipped open access wood and metal workshop in North London, offers a variety of courses and workshops throughout the year. Courses range from woodwork and metalwork basics, to furniture upcycling and table making. The community at Blackhorse Workshop are friendly, welcoming and share a passion for making. Users aged 15-18 are able to use the lower risk machinery items after completing the induction, excluding the chop saw which must be used under technician supervision. Young people under 15 must be accompanied by an adult (who must have completed the induction), and all machinery done by them.

Blackhorse Workshop

Free tours are available on Saturday afternoons, course times vary
1–2 Sutherland Rd Path
Walthamstow E17 6BX

Nearest station: Blackhouse Rd railway station

Rabbits Road Press

a room with various colourful prints scattered on tables and displayed on boards — **Photograph: Saira Niazi**

The OOMK collective run free open access risograph printing sessions in the beautiful Old Manor Park library every Wednesday, 2-7pm. OOMK technicians offer individuals free 1:1 inductions any time during the drop-in hours. During the induction, participants have the opportunity to make and print a design/collage in two colours using the risograph machine. Following the induction, users are able to use drop-in sessions for independent practice or projects any time during Open Access.

Rabbits Road Press
Open access- Wednesday 2-7pm
Old Manor Park Library
835 Romford Rd
London E12 5JY

Nearest station: Manor Park railway station

London School of Mosaic

a mosaic of a Malcolm x portrait — **Portrait of Malala created by students. Photograph: Saira Niazi**

Formerly known as Southbank Mosaics, with studios and a gallery space tucked away in the crypt of a church in Waterloo, Southbank Mosaics has recently become London School of Mosaic and relocated to North London. The school offer all sorts of short courses from mosaic in mixed media to masterclasses in mosaic portraits. LSM also runs fun activities throughout the school holidays, making it the perfect place for you to take your little brother or sister along to!

London School of Mosaic

Course times vary
Ludham Basement (access via Mansfield Road)
London NW5 4SF

Nearest station: Gospel Oak Tube