Public Masterclass: The Materiality of Wax (Afternoon)
Join this event
Ballot now open, closes Sunday 11th October 23:59
Discover the transformative possibilities of beeswax with interdisciplinary designer Yesenia Thibault-Picazo.
Experiment with paper, fabric and a variety of found materials, using molten wax to turn soft, flexible forms into beautifully solid shapes. Create hand-dipped candles and explore the unique properties of beeswax, incorporating a palette of colour pigments, textures and natural and synthetic materials to your work.
This workshop will begin with a tour of the waxes in our Materials Library, led by head of our Materials Library, Dr Sarah Wilkes.
Yesenia Thibault-Picazo is an interdisciplinary designer based in East London, whose practice explores the narrative and ecological potential of materials. Yesenia uses design to engage people with contemporary environmental questions, focusing on research-led projects that merge inquiry with traditional craft and embodied making.
Image courtesy of Yesenia Thibault-Picazo.
What to expect
Important information about our ballot system for this event:
We are using a randomised ballot system for this event.
Our ballot will go live on Monday 28th September at 05:00. To be in with a chance of joining us, select as many masterclasses as you are interested in attending and submit your entry before Sunday 11th October at 23:59. Please note: it makes no difference when you submit your entry; entering early does not increase your chances of securing a space. All places will be offered at random.
If successful, you will be emailed a link to book a space on one masterclass from Monday 12th October 2026. Successful applicants will have 24 hours to book their slot; however, if you do not book within 24 hours, your place will be offered to someone else. Even if you have selected multiple masterclasses on your submission, you will only be able to book one masterclass. This masterclass will be pre-chosen for you at random from your selection.
If you are also interested in attending our research talk and/or Materials Library tour, you will be able to book this directly from our website on Monday 28th September at 5:00. Attending these sessions does not affect your chances of gaining a slot on a masterclass, and will not count towards your one masterclass booking.
Once all tickets are fully booked by the ballot winners, we will notify everyone who signed up and offer them the opportunity to join our waiting list for last-minute dropouts.
This masterclass is suitable for ages 18+.
Event location
University College London
Malet Place
London
WC1E 7JE
Attendee information
Important information about our ballot system for this event:
We are using a randomised ballot system for this event.
Our ballot will go live on Monday 28th September at 05:00. To be in with a chance of joining us, select as many masterclasses as you are interested in attending and submit your entry before Sunday 11th October at 23:59. Please note: it makes no difference when you submit your entry; entering early does not increase your chances of securing a space. All places will be offered at random.
If successful, you will be emailed a link to book a space on one masterclass from Monday 12th October 2026. Successful applicants will have 24 hours to book their slot; however, if you do not book within 24 hours, your place will be offered to someone else. Even if you have selected multiple masterclasses on your submission, you will only be able to book one masterclass. This masterclass will be pre-chosen for you at random from your selection.
If you are also interested in attending our research talk and/or Materials Library tour, you will be able to book this directly from our website on Monday 28th September at 5:00. Attending these sessions does not affect your chances of gaining a slot on a masterclass, and will not count towards your one masterclass booking.
Once all tickets are fully booked by the ballot winners, we will notify everyone who signed up and offer them the opportunity to join our waiting list for last-minute dropouts.
Do you have specific access requirements?
Everyone at UCL is welcome in our spaces. We strive to make all of our processes accessible, including attending our events and workshops, and using our website and booking systems. Please message us if you have any questions or requirements, or need assistance using our platforms. We'll be happy to help.
We're always interested in feedback to help us improve access to our activities. Please contact events@instituteofmaking.org.uk if you'd like to chat.
