Textiles: Methods of Making
- Year 5, Year 6, Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4, Key Stage 5, HE
- Ages 9 – 18+
This session will introduce participants to different textile techniques used around the world. From resist dye methods such as batik which originated in Asia to printing methods like those used to create Adinkra cloth in West Africa.
Participants will then have the opportunity explore and, in some cases, try on a range of textiles used for everyday purposes, special occasions and performances. Having learnt more about these items of clothing and their cultural significance, pupils will have time to sketch the objects they are most interested in.
To finish, we will discuss textiles as a way of expressing cultural identity and how this can be affected by colonialism and globalisation. We will also consider the environmental impact of the fashion industry and ideas for improving sustainability.
The Horniman’s fantastic World Gallery is the perfect place to explore your topic further; there are a range of textiles on display which showcase a variety of techniques. You can use our textiles and fashion resource to guide your group.
Secondary Schools, FE colleges and Universities can also request a loan box of textiles from the Handling Collection at minimal cost.
Please note that our Natural History Gallery is now closed as part of a major two-year redevelopment, Nature + Love. The rest of our Galleries, displays and Gardens will be open as usual, with plenty across the site to support your topic (including our Music and World Galleries). Our schools workshops are unaffected.
We will be opening a free temporary exhibition about the natural world, animals and their habitats, in September 2024.
Learning Objectives
- Understand a range of textile techniques
- Understand how different textiles are used for everyday uses, special occasions and performances around the world
- Improve still life sketching skills
Please note that our Natural History Gallery is now closed for redevelopment and will reopen in late 2026. The rest of our Galleries, displays, Aquarium and Gardens will be open as usual, with plenty across the site to support your topic (from our free Animal Walk, to our World Gallery). Our schools workshops are unaffected.
Our new, free Natural History Pop Up exhibition is open until May 2026.
Resources
Workshop information
How to book
Booking a taught session includes a welcome briefing on arrival, timed access to a lunch space, cloakroom facilities and access to toilets for the exclusive use of school groups.
Contact us to make a booking:
schools@horniman.ac.uk
020 8291 8686
When you contact us please have ready:
– the name of the taught session you would like to book or topic you are studying,
– 1st/2nd/3rd choice of date and preferred session time,
– the number of pupils and adults attending.
Costs
Entrance to the Horniman Museum and Gardens is free of charge. Taught sessions and access to some exhibitions are charged for. We invoice before your visit.
The following charges apply:
Mainstream State schools: £100 including VAT, £83.33 excluding VAT
Private/independent schools: £140 including VAT, £116.67 excluding VAT
SEND schools and groups: £50 including VAT, £41.67 excluding VAT
We offer a bursary scheme for schools that meet a set criteria.
Planning your visit
See the School Trips page for other essential information including our risk assessment.
We are open from 10am-5.30pm. Entrance to the Museum and Gardens is free of charge but must be booked in advance by emailing schools@horniman.ac.uk.
We offer reduced educational rates for our Aquarium, Butterfly House, and Temporary exhibition. See the School Trips page for further information.
Charges apply to all children aged 3 years and over, and all accompanying teachers and adults, unless they are specific 1:1 carers.