The Adventures of Abraham Follett Osler

Join us for a comic workshop with international comic Artist John McCrea exploring the life of Abraham Follett Osler.
About this Event

Join us for a hands-on session with comic artist John McCrea as we explore the life and works of Abraham Follett Osler.

Osler was a Victorian Glass manufacturer, meteorologist and philanthropist living and working in Birmingham during the 19th Century.

In 1831 Osler joined the family glass firm, Osler Glass, which was renowned for producing crystal cut glass. Osler Glass exported chandeliers, furniture and luxury table-wear across the world. They were most famous for producing the world’s first crystal glass fountain, which was exhibited in Victoria and Albert’s Great Exhibition in 1851.

Osler was also a keen meteorologist, inventing the first automated anemometer and giving scientific lectures in the subject. In 1884 Osler, with the Birmingham Midland Institute, transformed Perrott’s Folly into one of the world’s first weather-measuring stations. The Folly continued to forecast Birmingham’s weather right up until the 1970’s.

John McCrea will be helping us dive into Osler’s story to create comic strips from his life. We will first set the scene through learning about Osler and Victorian Birmingham. We will then work with John to explore character design for our hero. We will then create simple panels which tell Osler’s story in an impactful way. It should be a lot of fun!

Participants will be able to take their work away at the end of the session.

Site Info:

We have an accessible toilet on site.

Adults and children welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult.

Dogs are not permitted

Parking is available next door to the Folly at the Karis Medical Practice car park.

Please wear flat shoes with tread. Heels, flip-flops and sliders are unsuitable for the stairs as they are tall and narrow.

There is unfortunately not lift in the Folly so those with mobility needs will be unable to climb the tower. The activity will take place in the courtyard or in the ground floor/ first floor at the Folly, which is accessible for those with mobility needs.