This year marks 120 years since the registering of the trade name Plasticine by art teacher William Harbutt in 1897. Since then Plasticine has been exported all over the world although it ceased to be manufactured at Bathampton, where Harbutt opened a factory in 1900, since 1983.
The contribution of local residents in the village in working at the Plasticine Mill in High Street and the determination and genius of William Harbutt in developing and managing this business is being celebrated on June 17th with a day of events at Bathampton Village Hall in Holcombe Vale, Bathampton. Admission is free and all are welcome.
The day’s event will include slideshows, presentations and activities after an official opening at 10.30 a.m.
Shortly afterwards Doc Watson, Bath’s very own William Harbutt impersonator will be leading a workshop on the how, what, where and when of Plasticine and describing it use and history – all ages are welcome! If cake making is more your line you are invited to submit a cake for judging at the same time.
There will be refreshments throughout the day and special guests include members of the Harbutt family and representatives from Aardman Animation who are celebrating their own fortieth birthday.
There will be refreshments throughout the day and in the evening as a special treat three Aardman Animation films: The Wrong Trousers, A Grand Day Out and A Close Shave will be shown from 6.00 p.m. You will need a ticket so pick one up when you arrive during the day and hand it over when you arrive in the evening.
Full details of the programme will be available on the Museum of Bath at Work website www.bath-at-work.org.uk and the Bathampton village website.
