Focus on the Foundry – Photography Workshops

The Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust Needs You!

Would you like to help document the restoration of the Loughborough Bellfoundry and learn new photographic skills along the way?

The Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust is partnering with photography collective Mass. to deliver a series of free photography workshops that will chronicle the process of refurbishing and conserving the bellfoundry for future generations over a period of three years.

Note that the deadline for applications to this programme is 18/02/2022.

Background
In December 2020 the Trust was awarded a substantial grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the project “Taylor’s: Saving the Last Major Bellfoundry in Britain,” which will involve a major renovation of the bellfoundry site. Running alongside the building works is a series of Lottery-funded events and activities, including a series of workshops called “Focus on the Foundry”.

The workshops will be coordinated by the Trust’s education and outreach team and led by professional photographers Luca Piffaretti, Francesco Russo and Henry Woide.

You can learn more about their work on the Mass Collective website.

Who can take part?
We are seeking up to 12 volunteers over the age of 18 to take up this exciting opportunity. No former experience or expertise is required, just a passion for the subject and a willingness to learn!

Note that all workshops are provided free of charge. As spaces on the workshop are limited, please be aware that we will only be able to accept applicants who can commit to the full three year programme.

What will the project entail?
There will be a total of 12 photography workshops spread over a period of three years.

Each workshop will include both theory and practice, covering key skills and techniques for Architectural Photography. The goal is to document the bellfoundry building restoration from start to finish. At the end of the project, your work will be showcased in a special public exhibition at the new bellfoundry museum.

When will the workshops happen?

All workshops will take place on Fridays, 10 am – 4.30 pm.

The first two workshops of 2022 will happen on the following days:

1st workshop: 11th of March

2nd: 27th of May

Further dates will be confirmed with participants as the project progresses.

Where does it take place?

Workshops will take place in the Old Laboratory activity space on the first floor of the Bellfoundry Museum on Cobden St. Each workshop will include plenty of opportunity to explore the foundry and capture photographs with the support of the tutors. Unfortunately there is currently no step-free access to the first floor of the museum, including the activity space.

Please contact our museum director Chrissie Van Mierlo with any questions or queries at chrissie.vanmierlo@loughboroughbellfoundry.org, or give our team a ring on 1509 638 500.

How can I get involved?

To apply for a place on the workshops please follow this link to fill out a short application form:

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/focusonthefoundry

Note that the closing date for applications is Friday, 18th February at 5 pm. We will get in touch with all applicants before the end of February to confirm whether or not we are able to offer you a place on the course.

If you experience any difficulties with this form, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

We look forward to hearing from you!