By Leah Conway –

Go down to the craft studio on Huddersfield’s Piazza to make a lion mask this weekend! Chris Marsden, a Huddersfield architectural historian, and Laura Mateescu, a University of Huddersfield research student and photographer, are hosting the craft session. They are inviting local people to join them in making some fantastic lion masks.

The Joy of a Roar

The workshops are part of a community arts project commission called ‘The Joy of a Roar’. The project is from of the Historic England Huddersfield High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ).

At the workshop, you will make a lion mask from card, paper and, most of all, your imagination! All the materials and tools will be provided, and Laura and Chris will be there to support you with your mask making.

The workshops are free, run for approximately 2.5 hours but should be booked. The event is suitable for all 12yrs +, but under 18s need to be accompanied by an adult.

Photo Credit – Laura Mateescu Photography

Chris said, “We have developed a mask style that is easy to make, adapt and wear, that is dramatic for photography.”

Laura commented, “We are making masks to be worn during a photoshoot in a local studio. Local people with lion masks will be photographed in sport, dance or play. These ’lion’ portraits will be exhibited larger than life on Huddersfield town centre streets.

“We hope many of the masks will go on display in local businesses’ windows too.”

As well as The Joy of a Roar workshop, there will be opportunities to get involved in March for children and families. They are invited to make their own lion masks, which will be added to the window displays.

The sessions will take place at Maker World at 33/34 Princess Alexandra Walk in the Piazza Centre on Saturday 12 & 19 March – running from 11 am-3 pm. You don’t have to book for these sessions, they are free, and you can drop in.

Over 150 sculpted lions in Huddersfield Town Centre

Chris said, “This commissioned project will generate massive portraits promoting sports and wellbeing by engaging local people. We want them to consider Huddersfield’s history through lion mask-making workshops. There are over 150 sculpted lions in the town centre.”

Laura said, “Symbolically, the lion highlights Huddersfield’s diversity and will engage local people by building connections between the town, its history and town-centre users, promoting fun and community-making, placing creative activities at the heart of the project, bringing a sense of ownership through making and crafting and promoting health & wellbeing through arts and physical activity.”

Photo Credit – Laura Mateescu Photography

How to join

The workshop is free and there will be two slots taking place on Saturday 26 February. The morning slot starts at 10 am and the afternoon slot starts at 1:30pm.

The workshop will run at No 42 Princess Alexandra Walk (the old Poundworld shop)

Places are limited, so booking is advised, which you can do through Eventbrite or by emailing joyofaroar@outlook.com.

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