Botanical Casting: Capturing the Garden in Plaster

Led by Clare Mahoney, Ceramic Artist, with historical insights on botanical casting from Neil Crump, Founder of Asterion & Co.

Join us at our reimagined 16th-century Somerset country house in Leigh-on-Mendip (near Frome) for a one-day botanical casting masterclass set between garden and studio. This expert-led, small-group experience includes a seated lunch and afternoon tea, offering a calm, well-paced day designed for focus and enjoyment.

You’ll begin with a gentle forage through the grounds, gathering leaves, flowers and grasses before returning to the studio to translate these forms into finely detailed plaster reliefs. Under Clare’s guidance, you’ll move from initial impressions to finished casts, learning how to capture texture, structure and depth in work that feels both intimate and enduring.

The day balances outdoor exploration with focused making. You’ll create a practice piece in the morning before completing a more resolved plaque in the afternoon, both yours to take home.

All materials are provided and no prior experience is required.

Workshops are limited to eight guests to ensure close guidance, a calm working atmosphere and time for thoughtful making throughout the day.

What you will learn: the history and contemporary practice of botanical casting | how to select and prepare plant material | creating impressions in clay and forming moulds | casting in plaster and developing surface detail | finishing and presenting your work.

Who this is for: gardeners, artists and craft enthusiasts | those curious about working with clay and plaster | anyone seeking a mindful, hands-on creative day

All abilities are welcome.

Includes: full tuition and all materials | creation of two plaster plaques | refreshments throughout the day | a seated seasonal lunch | afternoon tea