Venue: Garrison Chapel, Chelsea Barracks, London SW1W
Deadline to apply: 08/08/2026
Dates: This workshop will run for five days from Monday 10th August 2026 until Friday 14th August 2026. Age Range: 16 – 19 years old. If the workshop becomes oversubscribed, we will close the application process early.
Workshop Information
Course Outline
Make a third scale puppet of 17th, 18th, or 19th Century plant hunter or botanist, the period when plant hunting and classification was at its height. Plant hunting introduced many new species to different regions and affected their economies and landscapes. But it is also associated with colonial exploitation, with some plant hunters and their sponsors prioritising economic interests over ecological concerns.
This course will teach students how to take a 2-dimensional image and make it into a 3-dimensional shape through the making of third scale puppet clothed in historical costume. Inspired by Susie’s 18th Century botanist, and working from historical images plus some imagination, the students will make a soft puppet of a figure. They will be supplied with a a base pattern to cut and stitch the body in soft wool felt and then learn how to make articulated joints. Students will then be taught to sketch portraits in thread. Beginning with a sample face to learn the technique, they will move on to stitching a face on their puppets. The students will then create a hairstyle for the puppet, using different materials to create period hairstyles. Working from historical costume books and scaled down patterns the students will dress the puppets, initially creating toiles of the costume to explore shapes and fit. Susie will explain stitches and finishing.
During the week the students will discuss historical costume and learn how to scale patterns to full size.
All materials and patterns will be supplied.
Meet the Tutor
Susie Vickery worked for over twenty years as a theatrical costumier in Australia and the UK, specialising in men’s 18th and 19th century dress. She has worked for the Royal Shakespeare Company, English National Opera, the Royal National Theatre, and numerous West End theatres.
Timings
This workshop will start at 10am and finish at approximately 4:30pm.
Transferable Skills and Future Careers
TCDT workshops give a chance to develop a range of transferable skills and valuable insight to possible career paths. Some of the career choices our alumni have pursued include; Architecture, Engineering, Fine Art, Jewellery Making, Art Conservation, Glass Working, Theatre Design, Fashion Design, Costume Design – the list is growing!
Eligibility Criteria
In order to be eligible to apply you will need to be 16 – 19 years old during the dates of the workshop.
You should be creative and have an interest in the careers listed above, or similar areas. You should also have good hand-eye coordination.
In your application you should demonstrate a passion for working with your hands.
You must be able to attend every day of the workshop.
Please be sure that you have read our Eligibility Criteria and Applications section at the bottom of the Workshop page before applying.
Course Funding
Our workshops are fully-funded by generous sponsors. Places are limited, therefore, we recommend you submit your application as early as possible.
There are only 12 spaces available on this workshop. If the workshop becomes oversubscribed, we will close the application process early.
APPLICATIONS OPEN 10/04/2026Back to the Upcoming Workshops list