Making Mushrooms Workshop

As part of our Mushrooms exhibition and the ongoing Edible Utopia project our mycologist-in-residence Darren Springer will lead hands-on workshops exploring the unique qualities of mushrooms and mycelium, the crucial living network that supports our growing environments. This workshop will give you the chance to learn more about the processes behind mushroom growth and the conditions they need to thrive.

The Edible Utopia project at Somerset House includes growing mushrooms in our “coalholes” around the courtyard. A number of these small alcoves originally used for housing coal, then for general storage have been converted into the perfect environment in which to grow mushrooms. Using waste coffee grounds from our on-site café’s as nutrients we nurture the mycelium from spawn through to fruiting in an organic closed-loop eco system as an example of sustainable growing in the city centre.  

The workshop will see participants inoculate their own edible mushroom spawn to take away and nurture at home. 

This session is open to all, no previous experience or expertise necessary. Under 14’s must be accompanied and each participant requires a purchased ticket.

Darren Springer is Edible Utopia’s mycologist-in-residence. Alongside leading the mushroom growing and workshops at Somerset House Darren regularly teaches and talks across Europe on various topics including entheogenic plants, psychedelics and African-Caribbean history.  

Allergy Notice: Please be aware that some of the materials used for this workshop contain wheat.