We were lucky enough to have Olivia Keith (www.oliviakeith.co.uk) work with the Forest School for three days in October. The students loved it and produced some stunning items. Olivia has written about the history behind the skill

Throughout history, and across all continents, people have used pigments extracted from natural materials; animal, vegetable and mineral.  My fascination with this process forms a significant aspect of my work as an artist.  Exploring the subject leads to a huge range of multisensory experiences and a deep engagement with human history enriched with elements of science, history, geography and folklore.

Aspects that can be explored through activities at the Forest School include the study of fresco, egg tempera and gilding techniques including the preparation of the gesso (from whiting and rabbit skin glue) and ground pigments.  Also learning about the art of the cave-painter; the gathering and trading of coloured earths and applying colour to stone surfaces.  Local marble oak galls mixed with iron can make a traditional medieval ink and African-style mudcloths, depending on the same chemical reaction of tannin and iron (in the mud), can be patterned. Experimentation with plant dyes, mordants and binders can be extended into felt work and the ancient art of egg decorating.  visit us and work with the Forest school for three days in October.