This session ties with the QCA scheme of work:

• Art – Unit 3B, Investigating pattern
• Art - Unit 2C Can buildings speak.
• History - Unit 20. What can we learn about recent history from studying the life of a famous person?

Objectives

• Pupils to gain an understanding of Victorian design in the context of design found at the Willis Museum
• Pupils are able to gain an insight to the work of William Morris
• Gain a practical hands on experience of designing and printing
• Create a book of design based on Victorian patterns found round the Willis Museum

Outline of session

Introduction

Introduction of the museum staff leading the activity and over view of the session and movements of groups.

Group Movements

Group 1

Using a timeline

• A brief history of the Willis Museum and how it fits into Victorian history.
• A matching game putting together the many strands of Morris’ life.

Group 2

• Observational drawing on Victorian plant design, using laminates of Morris designs for inspiration.
• Design individual plant relief print – all materials other than paper will be supplied. Pupils will be using polystyrene relief print sheets and be printing their designs.
• Printing using our pre prepared lino cut designs of Morris images. To complete a Victorian motif swatch book

The groups then swap over

Conclusion

Pupils discuss what they have learnt through observation and activity. Printed swatch books will be taken back to school.

Pre activities

• Ask pupils to find out who William Morris was
• Ask pupils what the role of a museum is
• Find out when the Victorian period was –make a time line

Post activities

• Make an exhibition of the work produced by the children
• Get class to prepare an assembly to other classes telling them what they had to do during the session
• Mini Museum – create a museum in the classroom, collecting items about the pupils’ favourite items or the history of the school