Make/Sense

at Kentish Town Health Centre

The Make Sense programme offered a series of 16 art workshops designed for people living with dementia or cognitive impairment at Kentish Town Health Centre, with the option for companions to participate as well. Each workshop focused on a different artistic process, aiming to engage the senses while fostering creativity and connection.

Clay versions of hag stones.

The programme emphasised process over output, encouraging participants to explore various techniques and materials without the pressure of creating a finished artwork. This approach promoted accessibility and empowered individuals to continue their creative exploration beyond the workshops.

Raj’s photographs from around the health centre.

A variety of engaging activities were offered, including collage, cyanotype printing, clay sculpture, paper manipulation, Brusho watercolor painting, paper marbling, foam block printing, frottage, and papermaking. Each workshop provided a unique sensory experience and opportunities for reminiscence, discussion, and self-expression.

Participants explored the textures and sounds of tearing paper for collage, experimented with light-sensitive chemicals to create cyanotype prints, and moulded clay to form hag stones and abstract reliefs. They discovered the versatility of paper by folding, crumpling, and layering it, and they created vibrant washes and textures with Brusho watercolour paint.

Felted soap made by three participants.

The workshops also incorporated techniques from other cultures, such as Japanese paper marbling (Suminagashi), foam block printing inspired by textile patterns, frottage inspired by Surrealist Max Ernst, and papermaking using a deckle. Participants also explored photography, textile creation, Sumi ink painting, Orizomegami paper dyeing, Katazome resist-dyeing, and expressive calligraphy inspired by Toko Shinoda.

Frotage in hand-made sketchbooks.

The programme concluded with a felted soap workshop, where participants covered bars of soap with wool fibre, creating a colourful and functional washcloth while engaging their sense of touch. Throughout the Make Sense programme, participants enjoyed a diverse range of creative experiences that stimulated their senses, fostered social interaction, and encouraged self-discovery.

Anya’s collage.

The success of the programme highlights the power of art to engage and enrich the lives of people living with dementia. By focusing on process, sensory exploration, and accessible techniques, Make Sense provided a supportive and stimulating environment for participants to connect with their creativity and each other.

Agitating Brusho crystals.

In 2025, we’re developing our partnership with Kentish Town Health Centre to be part of a more sustained programme of afternoon creative workshops specifically designed for people with learning difficulties. This new phase is initially being supported by funding from James Wigg GP Practice, who are also directly referring participants to our workshops.

This project has been made possible by Camden Giving.