A programme of in-person sessions for people affected by dementia and their companions.
Led by ceramics artists Katie Spragg and Monica Tong and supported by volunteers and our Head of Learning, these free sessions are for people with dementia and their carers.
These relaxing and therapeutic sessions provide a creative activity and social connection. Refreshments are provided free of charge.
Katie and Monica demonstrate techniques to the group for creating objects and sculptures using clay. Inspiration comes from the Garden Museum’s exhibitions, garden and collections. The pieces created are fired and glazed in a kiln off-site, ready to be displayed in the museum or returned directly to our participants.
Thanks to our funders and donors: National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Wixamtree Trust, The Clore Duffield Foundation, Lori Hayden, Karin Parkinson and Jeanne Pring, we have been able to keep Clay for Dementia running since October 2017. Thank you to Arts4Dementia for partnering with us to pilot the very first sessions in 2017.
On Wednesday 12th June 2024 we had a visit from HRH Queen Camilla to a special one-off Clay for Dementia session. We were also delighted to host Dame Vivien Duffield.
Click below to watch a Clay for Dementia session:
Watch CNN’s feature on Clay for Dementia
Here is a case study of our Clay for Dementia programme from 2019:
Creative activity can have huge benefits for people living with dementia and their carers. Here are some dementia-friendly craft resources which can be downloaded for use at home:
A resource we made in collaboration with the Crafts Council and Arts for Dementia.
Make a Tortoise Pot from Clay Worksheet
How to Make Clay Slurry Worksheet
These are some resources made by Katie Spragg for Clay for Dementia sessions.
