By Isle of Wight Observer
Families can step back in time this February half-term, as hands-on “Clay Day Activities” return to the Newport Roman Villa.
Young visitors will be invited to create their own Roman-inspired clay artwork, taking inspiration from real Romano-British coins. Children can design a self-portrait profile, add decorative details and even include their name in Latin-style text around the edge, echoing the way Roman emperors once proclaimed their status on coinage.
The Clay Days, at Newport Roman Villa, will take place on Monday, February 16, and Wednesday, February 18, from 10am to 2pm.
Meanwhile, at the Museum of Island History, in Newport, visitors can explore coins from across different periods of history before creating their own metallic masterpiece. Participants will study symbols, portraits and patterns from historic coins, then use metallic foil to craft a decorative disc or “coin”. Designs can include borders, invented symbols, or a portrait inspired by a favourite historical era.
Activities at the Museum of Island History will run on Tuesday, February 17, and Thursday, February 19, from 10am to 1pm. Coins from various eras will be on display to help spark ideas.
Entry and activities at both sites cost £1 per person. No booking is required and visitors can simply turn up on the day.
Newport Roman Villa is on Cypress Road, Newport, while the Museum of Island History is in the High Street, Newport.
Further information is available by emailing Museums@iow.gov.uk, visiting iw.observer/iw-museums or calling 823433.
