Melbourn Village College

The workshop provided an insight into an important part of Tibetan Life: its books and their production.  Books have a huge significance in Tibetan religious life; they are revered as important ritual objects as well as being part of the development of Buddhist religious thought.  They are “clothed” in sumptuous wrappings and decorated wooden covers, ceremoniously unwrapped for religious ceremonies but can also be taken out of the monasteries to bless the fields and bring good fortune to the local population.

The display is part of a research project at the Social Anthropology Department : University of Cambridge on the development of printing in medieval Tibet.  It will provide a pictorial introduction to Tibet, a selection of Tibetan manuscripts and prints, wooden printing blocks and an explanation of the unique paper making techniques used in Tibet, including samples of the plants involved.  Examples of different types of paper will be on display together with products produced by a workshop which has rejuvenated the ancient traditional paper making skills in Tibet.

What students did

Year 10 students took part in a Tibet workshop given by members  of Cambridge University research project for the Social Anthropology Department..

They produced calligraphy, wooden block printing and Buddhist images during a two hour workshop.

They were introduced to the culture and religion of Tibet and given access to Buddhist books, art and literature.

All the students are taking GCSE art and will complete a small project based on the workshop as part of their GCSE work.

The collaboration was a great success and we are hoping to further develop links with this Cambridge university department who where very impressed with the students.

The students where a credit to the school and showed creativity and enthusiasm throughout the workshop.