More than 180 primary school pupils in Mansfield having been enjoying free workshops teaching them all about the history of shopping in the town.
The fully-funded two-hour workshops, Vikings to Victorians – A History of Shopping!, were offered to five schools as part of the Mansfield’s Townscape Heritage Project and were aimed at children aged 7 to 11.
And judging from the feedback, the workshops have been a huge hit among both youngsters and school staff.
Teachers have said the creative sessions revealed unexpected hidden talents in their pupils while the children indicated that they appreciated the opportunity and freedom to create something from scratch based on the learning they had received.
The sessions at the schools started with a 30-minute visual presentation on the history and development of shopping in Mansfield followed by a hands-on art and technology session.
They were devised and delivered by the Townscape Heritage Project Activities Coordinator, Theresa Workman, who said: “Pupils learned all about the origins of markets and shops, with a focus on Mansfield, and how its historic streets developed over time.
“Then the real fun begins, with an art session where pupils create a designer’s mood board for the interior of their shop, using replica fabrics, wallpapers, and furniture images from the Georgian and Victorian era, which is when many of Mansfield’s existing shops were built.
“The children then go on to design the exterior of their shop with window displays, signage, and branding. The deliberate unstructured style of the session allows their imaginations and creative ability to run wild and pupils have surprised their teachers with their ability to plan, manage their time, use colour sense, and pull together a brand or design for their chosen shop.
“They gained insight into the planning and running of a shop, and respect for shop owners. In turn, we hope it will lead them to value the town centre and the work of the Townscape Heritage Project to restore historic buildings.”
Cllr Stuart Richardson, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Growth, said: “What a great way to teach youngsters history in a fun and creative way.
“These community based experiences delivered as part of the Townscape project have been brilliant and very well supported.”
The five workshops were possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the Mansfield Townscape Heritage Project. The five-year programme of conservation, community engagement, and educational events is supported by a grant of £849,100 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
With total funding of around £1.3m, the project aims to help revive parts of Leeming Street and the Market Place conservation area by helping local businesses and property owners carry out repairs and refurbishments to enhance the architectural quality of their Victorian and Georgian buildings. Match-funded grants of up to 70% are available to help owners with the cost of making improvements.
The project’s community participation programme is being delivered in partnership with Mansfield BID, Vision West Nottinghamshire College, Mansfield Museum and Nottinghamshire County Council.
The project is part of a wider vision by the council to improve the appearance and vibrancy of the town centre and to put Mansfield on the map as a good place in which to live, work, invest and visit.
More information can be found on the project website (link opens in new window).