About This Event

Step behind the scenes of our Breakfast Room conservation project and discover the fascinating craft helping to restore Osterley's magnificent mirrors. As specialist conservators carefully repair the historic mirror frames, they are recreating missing decorative details using a traditional ornamental material called composite, or "compo", a mouldable material widely used from the 18th century onwards. You can even watch the conservation work in action every Wednesday and Thursday in the House. Now it's your chance to have a go yourself. In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn how compo is made, using a traditional English recipe, before moulding your own decorative ornament to take home. As a craft now recognised on the Red List of Endangered Crafts, this is a rare opportunity to experience a traditional skill that is helping to preserve some of Osterley’s historic collection. Thursday 30th July & 6th August Adults (18+) only Limited to 8 places per workshop Free, but advance booking is essential

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Hotels within walking distance of Osterley Park and House.