Event Information
Book now for our great BAMM Weekend!
Join us at our next BAMM in-person meeting ‘A Celebration of Mosaic’, taking place over the weekend of 26 – 27 September 2026 at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
We will be marking the outstanding contribution by our members in creating the ‘Threads of Remembrance’ mosaic. Come and hear the personal stories behind the mosaic and see the finished artwork, now installed in the Arboretum chapel.
The Weekend, which will include our AGM, will also be a great opportunity to meet lots of fellow mosaic makers, both hobbyists and professionals. You will also be able to enjoy the beautiful NMA grounds.
We have a packed programme of opportunities to pick up new mosaic tips and tricks and learn new techniques.
Saturday 26 September:
Mosaic Marketplace where you can buy a huge variety of tesserae, vintage china, beads and other bits and bobs for mosaic-making, with proceeds going to BAMM. You are welcome to donate suitable no-longer-wanted or over-stocked items you may have.
Tips and Tricks Sessions: Find out all about: Substrates and Framing; Fixings and Glues; Transfer Technique.
AGM: The formal bit – come and meet and vote for your Committee members! Bring your ideas for how we can all help develop BAMM.
Socialise: We are planning a meet-up at a nearby pub in the evening.
Sunday 27 September:
Choose from two full-day Mosaic Masterclasses:
1. Memento Fragmenta – Memories in Mosaic
An introduction to the forgotten world of historic Cabinets of Curiosities. Hosted by Lisa-marie Newman in her signature style, we will:
- explore how Renaissance collectors curated rare and unusual objects to map their world and record their experiences
- learn how ‘Memento Mori’ artwork reminds us to cherish the experiences of passing time and how artists like Joseph Cornell framed stories and objects in boxes
- upcycle vintage boxes, trays or frames to construct your own segmented composition
- rediscover your own stories and create a personal memory mosaic to ‘Remember the Fragments’ of your life and curate them into a meaningful cabinet, as a mixed-media mosaic assemblage
- incorporate your own sentimental objects and ephemera, brought together with artful mosaic of your own creation, to make this a nostalgic celebration of memories.
2. Flowers for Peace – Sketching in Mosaic
In this class Sara Melville will introduce you to her unique mosaic sketching technique and guide you through how to make your own mosaic sketches.
Taking inspiration from the landscape and flora around the Arboretum and tapping into the memorial theme, you will use live plant material gathered on the site or brought flowers with meaning close to your heart.
In this Masterclass, you will:
- Explore how to capture the essence of flowers by Observation, Organisation and Design
- Experience a live outdoor (weather-permitting ) mosaic sketching demonstration
- Learn how to observe shapes and forms, organise design ideas for the overall composition and design by considering different views, angles, features and negative space
- Enhance your glazed porcelain tile cutting skills using ceramic tile nippers to achieve the desired structure, details and texture for your work
- Be guided in making a series of thumbnail sketches by cutting and laying exercises to get your hand and eye in and then work on a larger sketch piece based on your chosen flowers.
All sketches will be made using the tile tape transfer technique so you can take yours home to fix to a substrate of your choice.
Masterclass details:
- The classes are for BAMM members only.
- Duration of both classes: 10am – 4pm
- They are suitable for all levels of experience.
- Tickets are limited to 15 participants per workshop; first come first served (with a waiting list if necessary).
- The cost is £110 per person for each masterclass, which includes:
- Use of quality materials and specialist equipment
- Tuition and encouragement from a professional mosaic artist
- A full day of artistic practice amongst creative peers
- Professional development progressing skills and understanding.
How to book your place:
To book for the Celebration Weekend and for the Masterclasses, please visit Eventbrite now.
Closing date for applications is: 23 09 2026.
Saturday tickets: £30 for BAMM members/ £40 non-members, incl. tea/coffee on arrival.
National Memorial Arboretum website: https://www.thenma.org.uk/
FAQs
Refreshments: There is a café onsite or you can bring your own lunch.
Onsite parking: You can book in advance via https://www.thenma.org.uk/visit-us/plan-your-visit/book-parking
