Is Making It Really Faking It?

What makes an artefact ‘real’ and ‘valuable’?

Come to a workshop examining craft products from Egypt and the UK, exploring idea of ‘authenticity’, and what it means to produce heritage crafts inspired by the past.

Learn about replicas of ancient Egyptian artefacts, re-produced by Egyptian craftspeople and sold to tourists in the 19th century. These were so well made they have been mistaken for ‘real’ ancient artefacts by collectors and museums around the world. Then think about how these Egyptian craft practices are similar modern British artisans who take inspiration from across Europe.

Enjoy the opportunity to produce your own ceramic artefacts inspired by British and European heritage and culture, led by Derbyshire potter Mary Johnson. Will the objects you create be copies, fakes, or your own modern-day heritage craft productions?

Come and explore Egyptian culture, heritage craft through time, and ideas of authenticity and value, while working with clay and making your own personally inspired artefacts.

This event is part of the Being Human Festival, the UK’s national festival of the humanities, taking place 7-16 November 2024. Being Human is led by the School of Advanced Study, University of London, with generous support from Research England, in partnership with the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the British Academy. For further information see beinghumanfestival.org

Suitable for adults

Free to attend, but places must be booked in advance