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Join us for a hands-on session with comic artist John McCrea as we explore the life and works of Abraham Follett Osler.

Osler was a Victorian Glass manufacturer, meteorologist and philanthropist living and working in Birmingham during the 19th Century.

In 1831 Osler joined the family glass firm, Osler Glass, which was renowned for producing crystal cut glass. Osler Glass exported chandeliers, furniture and luxury table-wear across the world. They were most famous for producing the world’s first crystal glass fountain, which was exhibited in Victoria and Albert’s Great Exhibition in 1851.

Osler was also a keen meteorologist, inventing the first automated anemometer and giving scientific lectures in the subject. In 1884 Osler, with the Birmingham Midland Institute, transformed Perrott’s Folly into one of the world’s first weather-measuring stations. The Folly continued to forecast Birmingham’s weather right up until the 1970’s.

John McCrea will be helping us dive into Osler’s story to create comic strips from his life. We will first set the scene through learning about Osler and Victorian Birmingham. We will then work with John to explore character design for our hero. We will then create simple panels which tell Osler’s story in an impactful way. It should be a lot of fun!

Participants will be able to take their work away at the end of the session.

Tickets Cost £60. Money raised form sales will go towards upkeep of the Tower!

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Join us for a workshop exploring paper quilling with artist Eliza Bennett.

Step back in time to join us for workshop exploring quilling, a popular paper-craft in Georgian England.

We will be taking inspiration from our original plaster cast ceiling to create Georgian motifs in paper. From scenes of the hunt to boughs and bows, you will be able to transform floral forms into 3D paper designs.

The workshop will begin with a trip up the tower to see our original 18th century plaster-cast ceiling. For those unable to climb the stairs, we will have images of the plasterwork available for inspiration during the workshop.

We will then join Eliza to learn some basic quilling techniques before creating our designs onto card. Participants can choose to frame their works into box frames or leave plain.

You will be able to take your works away with you to have a little bit of Folly magic at home!

Materials and a small frame are provided.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Tickets Cost £45. Money raised form sales will go towards upkeep of the Tower!