Discover the world of model making at Barnstaple Museum this Easter

Delve into the world of model making this Easter with a free exhibition and model making sessions at the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon.

The museum has teamed up with North Devon Model Society and alongside an exhibition of models created by its members, there will be free family workshops to teach the tricks of the trade and create models to take home.

Whether you want to create an aircraft, sailing ship, automobile, building or a fantasy beast or sci fi creation, model making has no limits.

The exhibition, Masterpieces of Model Making: Inspiration for the next generation, opens at the museum on Saturday, April 4 and runs until Saturday, April 18, offering a perfect low-cost activity to engage and entertain families over the school holidays.

The free model making sessions are on Saturday, April 4, Wednesday, April 8 and Saturday, April 15, with two daily sessions form 10am to 12pm and 1 to 3pm.

They are entirely free for all to attend, all materials are provided and no previous experience is necessary.

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The North Devon Model Society is dedicated to promoting the joys and benefits of making models to a wider audience.

They believe model making can offer an absorbing alternative in an era so often defined by screens and electronic devices - and one which has been shown to improve concentration and help children feel calmer. 

Participants of the model making sessions taking place over the Easter holidays will learn a host of new skills to enable them to make models which they can keep and feel proud of.

Sera Staples from North Devon Model Society, said: “We hope that as many families as possible will find time over the school holidays to visit the exhibition, be inspired and try their hand at some modelling!

“As a society, we host regular opportunities for members to meet in Barnstaple, and we’d love anyone interested in becoming a member to get in touch – either by contacting us directly or through the museum.”

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Museum director Alison Mills added: “We wanted to offer something particularly attractive to children and families over the holiday period.

“Here at the museum, we’re all about bringing people together to explore our region’s culture, art and heritage and to build on its tradition of working and making things by hand. To collaborate with the North Devon Model Society on this project was an opportunity not to be missed.

“Thanks to North Devon Council and Arts Council England, we’re proud to be able to continue offering free entry to the museum and low-cost activities for families when it may matter most.”

The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm. Entrance is free.

Find out more about the exhibition and model-making sessions at https://barnstaplemuseum.org.uk/whatson/easter-holiday-activities-for-curious-creators