FREE
Friday 3 April, 10am-12pm

Mugshots, Secrets and Surreal Portraits

In celebration of the National Justice Museum’s 30th anniversary and the exhibition 30 Objects Representing Justice, this workshop focuses on the Mugshot Album, Nottingham City, 1890s. 

Participants will begin with a guided visit to the exhibition, where they will observe the album and discuss its images, considering what they reveal about identity, documentation, and the human stories behind the photographs.

Returning to the Creative Courtyard, a brief presentation will explore the history of mugshots and photofits, and how artists have used these forms in their work, offering visual inspiration.

After a short break, participants will play a Victorian surrealist drawing game, Exquisite Corpse, creating collaborative, hidden images that explore secrets and codes. 

The session continues with a creative collage activity: drawing faces using templates, cutting out facial features, and combining them with magazine images to produce surreal, imaginative “mugshots.”

The workshop is discussion-led, playful, and suitable for all abilities, blending historical insight with hands-on creative exploration.

About Our Make It Yours Sessions

You’re invited to drop into our Creative Courtyard and make something inspired by the museum collection.

Our creative sessions are free and open to all. Join us to make and create together and contribute to our growing museum! The sessions will be led by artists, makers, and writers, all influenced by this unique museum. Register using the link below.