WAKING THE GIANT – Fort Burgoyne, Dover

Over 2000 turned out to “Wake the Giant” of Dover

Saturday 29th February 2020 saw huge crowds descending on Fort Burgoyne, Dover for an event entitled ‘Waking the Giant’, featuring demonstrations by TV Potter, Keith Brymer- Jones.

Event organisers Peter Cocks, Gavin Oakley and John Orchard of Albion Incorporated had billed the day as a celebration of Lost Craft and Folklore, two themes which, judging by the enormous turnout, really caught people’s imagination.

TV Potter, Keith Brymer Jones gave pottery demonstrations throughout the day working with local groups, Future Foundry and Ceramic Art Dover, headed by Lisa Oulton, who ran pot throwing and mini giant workshops. Local Craftspeople Katherine Woodward (Basket maker and willow worker), Carol Partridge (Wheat Weaving), Michael Hart (Blacksmith), Robert George Sanders (Knitting) and Harry Evans (Crochet) also ran demonstrations and workshops throughout the day. Dover’s Future Foundry demonstrated outdoor “Raku’ firing in a shopping trolley kiln with Rainna from C4’s Pottery Throwdown and also staged the Student Makers’ Market showcasing the work of local makers.

The day was curated by famed Art Director and fashion guru, Simon Costin and Mellany Robinson of the Museum of British Folklore.

Albion Director Peter Cocks said “Thanks to the help of a remarkable team of Craftspeople, contributors and volunteers we were able to give over 1850 local people a remarkable experience for free over the course of the day. We are really sorry that some people were not able to get in and experience the event. We ran at full capacity all day and if ‘Waking the Giant’ happens again we will ensure that we make space for even more of you to attend.”

Albion were commissioned to run a year of engagement by Fort Burgoyne owners the Land Trust under the Pioneering Places East Kent scheme funded by Arts Council England and National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Pioneering Places seeks to trigger regeneration through the creative industries.

“This was a free event thanks to the generous support of Pioneering Places East Kent, funded by Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Land Trust, owners of Fort Burgoyne. A huge number of contributors and volunteers gave their time freely through a love and passion for Dover and a strong desire to see it fulfil its potential in future.”

With film and installations by Artist in Residence, Matt Rowe, The Montrose Composers Club and Natasha Douglas (musical saw) provided the music for the day and White Cliffs Kitchen and the Real Deal Roasters kept everybody fed and watered.

As a result of the positive response from the public the organisers are considering further events in Dover.

ARTICLE – Personal Musings on Sir Gawain, The Green Knight and Dover from The Other Side of Neck Wound By John Grigsby.

 EVENT PAGE ON FACEBOOK>>>

Discover Dover’s Sleeping Giant!

  

 

Fort Burgoyne will open its gates to the public for a one day, leap year, FREE EVENT!

– EVENT PAGE ON FACEBOOK>>>

• Pottery – with TV Potter Keith Brymer-Jones Future Foundry and Ceramic Art Dover

• Blacksmithing – Watch, Forge, Create…

• Willow work with Katherine Woodward

• Raku Firing – Smoke, flames and drama!

• Catwalk, Weaving and Textiles with Robert George Sanders @robertgeorgesanders
and Harry Evans @harryharrye

• British Folklore Exhibits with the Museum of British Folklore

• Music by The Montrose Composer’s Club

• Film by Matt Rowe

• Art Exhibits by resident artist Matt Rowe

• Virtual Reality Demo by EK College

• Logo Design Competition Awards

• Central St Martin’s College Placemakers Presentation 

• Makers Market with Future Foundry Dover
@FutureFoundry

• Local Food & Drink – Real Deal Roasters and The White Cliffs Kitchen

Waking the Giant – a glimpse into an imagined future for Fort Burgoyne, Dover’s hidden gem..

Come and explore the Fort, take a quick tour, see displays and take part in activities.
With performance, music, film and pottery workshops with Future Foundry, Ceramic Art Dover, Blacksmith Michael Hart, Willow Work with Katherine Woodward and pottery with TV potter Keith Brymer Jones.

A family-friendly, FREE INDOOR EVENT

Wrap up warm though it is February and it’s in an old Fort!

Wear appropriate footwear too some areas are uneven underfoot.

 

EVENT DETAILS

FREE ENTRY
FREE PARKING

Location

Fort Burgoyne, Dover Road, Guston, Dover, Kent CT15 5LP

Date – Saturday 29th February 2020 – Gates open at 11am – Last Entry 4pm Gates Close – 5pm

Getting there…Arriving by car?
Enter via the entrance on Dover Road, past the coach park at Dover Castle. Please don’t park on the coach park or on public roads. We have a big car park on site with plenty of space! 

Arriving by public transport or on foot?
Take the bus to Dover Castle and walk to the gate on the road to Guston, Dover Road. A shuttle vehicle will be available from the Fort Gate to the event.

Disabled Access – There is an allocated parking area and disabled toilet facilities.

Gates open at 11am – Last Entry 4pm
Gates Close – 5pm

* Fort Burgoyne has lain dormant for some years, a Victorian ‘Palmerston Fort’ carved out of the earth nearly two hundred years ago – yet it rarely saw action in any conflict.
Since it was acquired by The Land Trust, Pioneering Places East Kent has been exploring ideas for a new role for Fort Burgoyne, and for one special day will be welcoming visitors to explore its hidden depths.
Will it be a hub for heritage handicrafts or an academy for endangered skills? Will it be a Museum of Folklore? Will it house creative new businesses or social enterprise?
Waking the Giant is an open day showcasing some of the themes Pioneering Places has explored…

You will be able to explore the casemates and learn a little about our lost or endangered crafts and heritage skills, follow the history of folklore and connect to local, ancestral roots with workshops, activities and demonstrations, including pottery with Keith Brymer Jones.
Become part and have your say in creating a Giant piece of Dover’s future!

Curated by The Museum of British Folklore, brought to you by The Land Trust, Albion Incorporated, funded by Pioneering Places East Kent, Arts Council England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Waking the Giant will offer a glimpse into the future of this scheduled ancient monument.