Automatic Drawing Workshop

In collaboration with Bradgate Park, local artist Mary Yaffie will lead a free creative workshop as part of Heritage Open Days and the New Wave programme.

This workshop is part of the New Wave programme, which supports and encourages young adults aged 18–30 to engage with heritage creatively. While the session is particularly aimed at this age group, everyone is welcome to take part.

Participants are invited to explore Bradgate Park's heritage through the surrealist practice of automatic drawing, an intuitive technique that encourages emotional expression rather than technical drawing skills. Suitable for all abilities, the session focuses on responding instinctively to place, history and atmosphere.

Participants will visit two significant locations within the park, including exclusive access to a normally inaccessible spinney that is home to an extraordinary 880-year-old oak tree. The tree stood during Lady Jane Grey's lifetime at Bradgate House, creating a powerful connection between the park's natural and historic heritage.

The workshop will also include drawing at the Tudor ruins, inviting participants to reflect on the story and legacy of the Nine Days Queen.

"I am passionate about creating a space where people can engage with heritage in their own creative way," says Mary Yaffie. "There is no pressure to be 'good' at drawing. The point is to slow down, embrace your surroundings, and respond honestly."

At the end of the workshop, all individual drawings will be brought together to create a large-scale collaborative mosaic, which will be displayed at Bradgate Park.

Places are limited to 25 participants, and all materials will be provided.

Event Details

Date: 12 September, 12:00–4:00pm
Location: Bradgate Park
Cost: Free
Recommended for: Ages 18–30 as part of the New Wave programme, but open to all!

Register Your Interest

Places on this workshop are limited to 25 participants. To help ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to take part, we will randomly select participants from all expressions of interest using an online random selection tool.

When registering your interest, please make sure you are available to attend on 12 September (12:00–4:00pm), as places cannot be guaranteed and this is a unique opportunity with limited capacity.

Register Here

Deadline to apply is Sunday 23rd of August 2026.

Access:
Please note that this event will take place off the beaten track and may not be suitable for everyone due to uneven terrain and walking distances. However, we have two Trampers (electric all-terrain mobility vehicles) available for guests who may find walking difficult. These can be requested in advance to help ensure everyone can enjoy the event comfortably.

Event details

Where

Estate Office, Bradgate Park Trust, Newtown Linford, Leicester, LE7 7HQ

When

Start: 12^th September, 2026 at 12:00pm

End: 12^th September, 2026 at 4:00pm

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