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Join artists from Edible East as they journey into the microscopic world of Norfolk's landscape. Inspired by 2025 being the 400th anniversary of the use of the term 'microscope', this exhibition is part of an on-going residency at Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, supported by the John Innes Centre and The Centre for Microbial Interactions, Norwich. From microscopic fungi that support life in the soil, to single-celled algae that overwhelm freshwater ecosystems, Edible East have responded to a range of historic and contemporary material, offering a visual and playful exploration of our relationship with the natural world. Alongside large-scale, mixed media artworks, using print, installation and shadow-theatre techniques, visitors will be able to see historical material on loan from the John Innes Foundation Historical Collections.

Explore the beautiful grounds and buildings of Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, and discover how museums, gardens, farms and homes can inspire fantasy worldbuilding in free workshops led by the Wayward Adventurers Guild. You'll explore how to: - Use drawing activities and prompts with our surroundings to generate new ideas for fantasy worlds, characters and stories. Record ideas and drawings in sketchbooks, and learn how other creatives, animators and concept artists use sketchbooks. ?You can also explore Gressenhall for free after the workshop has ended, until 3pm.

Both flax and Norfolk Horn fleece have played an important role in Norfolk's textile past. Come and explore what these sustainable fibres mean to us in the present! Volunteers will be meeting once per month from March - October 2025 on site at Gressenhall to demonstrate the heritage skills involved in linen and wool production, talking to our visitors about the practical activities they are showcasing - from planting and processing to scutching and spinning! Activities will vary per month and are subject to volunteer availability.

Take a tour of Gressenhall and hear the stories of the real women who worked on site caring for people over the past two hundred years. As the Mitford and Launditch Union workhouse, the site was home to some of the most vulnerable people in Norfolk society - and it would take a team of staff to keep them well and safe. From the early 19th century to the late 1940s, a costumed Gressenhall guide will take you on a trip in time to briefly explore the lives of the workhouse nurses and the different experiences they had when working within this important profession - using research and over 70 biographies compiled by volunteers.

Join this tour to learn more about the 'rebellious women' of Mitford and Launditch Union Workhouse. From fire starters to unwed mothers, visitors can become more familiar with some women who lived on the fringes of Victorian society in Norfolk, struggling against the rules and regulations of their time. The history books have labelled these women as trouble makers, lunatics, rule breakers, radicals and rebels, and their stories still resonate today. Based on original research and led by a costumed Gressenhall guide, this tour will explore the poignant circumstances of these women's lives at the Workhouse.

Willow weaving expert Karen Bek is bringing her expertise to Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse with a two-day basket-making workshop. As well as working on their own willow skills, participants will have chance to connect with Gressenhall's collection of basketry-related objects from Norfolk's past - and will end the weekend with their own traditional round English basket to take home. All tools and materials supplied. Please be advised that refreshments are not provided; you are welcome to bring your own picnic lunch and the Mardlers' Rest Café will be open throughout the day. Basketry can be hard on the hands and does require some strength. Karen will be able to help you if your hands get tired and the two days enables plenty of short breaks. Bring a notebook and pen if you want to take notes. As this workshop is being run by an external partner, we are not able to offer our usual membership discounts.