A ten-week painting course for refugee women concluded in a colourful finale at the Evesham Sanctuary Centre, where participants showcased their skills by painting designs on ceramic mugs.

The programme was organised by Evesham Vale Welcomes Refugees and generously funded by the Museum of Royal Worcester as part of its community outreach initiative. The museum sponsored local artist Fliss, who led the sessions and introduced participants to a variety of artistic techniques.

Over the weeks, more than a dozen women from different countries, now living in Evesham as refugees, learned to sketch shapes, apply colour, and create decorative designs. Their artwork was transferred onto china clay and fired in a kiln to ensure durability.

As part of the course, the group also crafted small clay ornaments for the town’s Christmas Tree Festival and enjoyed a special visit to the Museum of Royal Worcester. During the trip, they attended a workshop where they designed greeting cards and decorated them with handmade clay embellishments shaped like flowers, fish, and other motifs.

Fliss explained that the project aimed to revive traditional pottery decoration, an art form historically practised by women in many cultures. “England once had thriving pottery industries, with famous names like Royal Crown Derby, Royal Worcester, and Wedgwood producing exquisite figurines and fine china,” she noted. “This course was about reconnecting with that heritage while giving these women a creative outlet.”

The final session, painting on mugs, was a joyful celebration of creativity and community spirit. Each participant received their personalised mug as a keepsake, making the experience even more memorable. Many expressed pride in their work and gratitude for the opportunity to learn new skills in a welcoming environment.