I love working with museums, galleries & other heritage sites,  taking inspiration from collections & gardens. This is where my career as an arts educator and my passion for working in historic, inspiring & beautiful places - with people - began; devising & delivering art, design & craft-based workshops - as well as coordinating them - and also leading museum tours & talks. I’ve been fortunate to gain a wealth of experience working with a diversity of groups from Early Years upwards, including: families, schools, Young People, Older People, Vulnerable Adults, people with Dementia and Alzheimer’s, stroke victims and community, Special Educational Needs, ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) and Blind and Partially Sighted groups.

I use a range of techniques in my sessions including drawing, printing, painting, collage, model-making, ceramics and appliqué. I like to use natural materials & aromatherapy elements when appropriate. I thoroughly enjoy exploring the design, history & stories of collections & sites and originating bespoke, engaging, relevant & fun activities - bringing all these elements into the workshops & projects.

Gemma’s sessions were always carefully and thoughtfully planned out. She was always able to easily adapt her practice to work with a range of different age groups, abilities and support needs. She always made participants feel welcome and well supported in her sessions.

Gemma was also the Youth Project Co-ordinator at the museum (between 2006-2012). She was responsible for developing relationships with local youth groups, as well as creating and delivering a range of creative sessions and projects both in the museum and in the community. The work Gemma undertook in this role led to several long-term local partnerships which lasted over 10 years and enabled us to engage a diverse range of young people.

Laura Bedford, former Access & Public Programmes Manager at Museum of the Home (previously Geffrye Museum), London