Heritage Oil Paint Lecture & Oilcloth Workshop
Wed, July 24 | 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Sat, July 27 | 1 - 4 p.m.
with Doug Vickers & Mackenzie Campbell | $30
Discover the art of working with heritage oil paints and design your own one-of-a-kind oilcloth using traditional stencils!
In this two-part lecture and workshop, you’ll learn from Master Carpenter Doug Vickers and The Brown Homestead’s Mackenzie Campbell.
Part I - Heritage Oil Paint Lecture
Wednesday, July 24, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Take part in an interactive lecture on heritage oil paint-mixing. Discover how a traditional oil paint from the 1860s would have been milled and applied to different materials.
This lecture is open to the general public by donation. Limited seats available, sign up to save your spot.
Those interested in only the lecture do not have to register for the following workshop.
Bring your own modern stencil to apply to your canvas, or use the traditional stencils provided (as pictured).
Part II - Oilcloth Stenciling Workshop
Saturday, July 27, 1 - 4 p.m.
Return to The Brown Homestead to apply your new knowledge of heritage paints in the production of your own one-of-a-kind small oilcloth using the oil paint milled days before. During the workshop, participants will learn about historic stencilling and how to apply simple stencil designs to a 13” x 19” canvas. Option to bring your own modern stencil motifs, or use traditional stencils based on findings in the John Brown House.
Each participant will work with a 13” x 19” oilcloth canvas.
About Doug
Doug Vickers brings a wealth of experience as a heritage carpenter with a remarkable 40-year tenure in the architectural heritage restoration and conservation field. His expertise extends across borders, having worked in Canada, America, Scandinavia, and Jamaica. Doug's preference for finishing his carpentry work in oil paint is a practice that speaks to his dedication to traditional craftsmanship and attention to detail. This approach not only ensures the longevity of his creations but also adds a distinctive touch of authenticity to the projects he undertakes.
About Mackenzie
Mackenzie Campbell is the Project Manager for The Brown Homestead's restoration and conservation projects. Her background includes both design conceptualization and hands-on work with trades. Mackenzie's contributions have ranged from behind-the-scenes planning to direct involvement in tasks like painting stenciling on the walls and creating the floor cloth of the John Brown House's dining room.
Investment - $30 per person
Participants will be able to take home their own 13” x 19” oilcloth decorated with traditional stencils and heritage oil paints. Light snacks and refreshments will also be provided.
Space is limited to 12 participants to accommodate workspaces.
Accessibility
Please note that the John Brown House is undergoing continued restoration work and is currently not wheelchair accessible. The outdoor washroom facilities and second storey of the house are accessible by stairs only.
We apologize for this inconvenience, and we continue to work to create an engaging experience for all visitors to our site.