The Time and Tide Museums’ Art&Design Masterclass with product and spatial designer Henry Franks began with an introduction to product design followed by a warm-up exercise – to select an object in the Time and Tide Museum galleries and quickly come up with enhancements to it. Henry then gave the group their brief: to design and make a working lamp.
He had brought with him timber, tools and a light fitting for each participant. After showing the Club members some examples of Postmodern furniture to spark their ideas, Henry discussed with them how to use the materials and helped them with simple drawings. He also taught them how to use woodworking tools – saws, drills, screwdrivers, measures and vices – safely.
Initially a little daunted, the young people grew in confidence as they worked, and many of them finished their lamps completely, while others were planning to assemble their cut pieces at home or at the next Club session. They were all surprised at what they achieved, and thrilled with the results.