Public Open Day: GASES

Public Events

Save the date for an extravaganza of materials and making around the theme of GASES, as we host a one-day, large-scale, drop-in and totally free festival.

From fermentation to levitation, with foams, farts and steam engines; we will explore the intangible materials that are a vital but (often) invisible part of our lives. We will be putting on a wealth of airy activities with plentiful making processes, challenging people to investigate how we depend on and interact with airy substances.

The event will take on the deceptive power of these transient and drifting materials, through hydrogen fuel, sublimation, farty foods, foamed concrete, fiery explosions and nitrogen-brewed coffees. Guest experts include furniture maker Stefano Santilli who will show the basics of steam-bending wood and challenges you to make a bangle. Fermentation specialist Jelena Belgrave teaches sauerkraut making and ‘burps’ various effervescing foods. Designer Chris Pearce demonstrates the animated nature of plastic by hand-blowing plastic bubbles. Metal forge owner Stephen Coles joins us with a working Victorian steam engine which will mill flour on the spot.

We will be whipping up stiff foams to fill our paddling pool with, show you how to make your own spray paint device, rig up beach balls and hairdryers to explain some physics, and competitively record burps with a decibel meter.

As always, the Institute of Making will be open to the public on the day, giving visitors the opportunity to have a glimpse of the Materials Library and its wondrous collection of stuff.

Free, open to all, drop-in from 1pm, gates close at 5pm.

Save our gassy date on your diary and sign up to our mailing list to be the first to receive event updates and news.

Do you have particular access requirements?

The Makespace has wheelchair access to the Materials Library and downstairs workshop but not up to the mezzanine. We would like to make sure that everyone can use the Makespace, our events and our website as easily as possible so please let us know if you need any additional support or assistance while using our facilities. We are always interested in feedback to help us improve access to our facilities.

Images: plastic hand-blown plastic bubbles by Chris Pearce