A Guinness World Record attempt will take place at the York Origami Convention which will bring workshops, exhibitions and internationally renowned paper artists to Bootham School this April.

Although details of the challenge are still being kept under wraps the announcement has already generated buzz among attendees, with many eager to see York potentially become part of origami history.

With international guests, interactive workshops and the promise of a record-breaking moment. The British Origami Society Spring Convention is expected to attract visitors from across the country, further strengthening York’s reputation as a hub for creative and community-focused events.

As spring approaches, the delicate art of origami will unfold at Bootham School from 10 to 12 April 2026, as the British Origami Society (BOS) brings its Spring Convention to York.

For one weekend, the historic school will take on a very different atmosphere, shifting from its usual quiet academic setting to a space alive with creativity and activity.

Bootham School, normally associated with calm classrooms and tranquil grounds, will make an appropriate setting to workshops, exhibitions and collaborative folding sessions.

Hundreds of detailed paper creations will emerge across the venue, bringing colour, focus and careful precision into every space.

Located close to York city centre, the venue offers an accessible setting for both local visitors and those travelling into the city for the event.

Organised by the British Origami Society, the convention is one of the group’s largest annual gatherings and a key date in the paper-folding community’s calendar. It attracts more than 100 participants ranging from complete beginners to internationally recognised artists.

Across the three-day event, attendees will be able to take part in structured classes, browse specialist paper-folding supplies, visit exhibitions and join informal folding sessions.

Alongside hands-on activities, the programme explores the artistic, mathematical and cultural dimensions of origami.

It does this through model reviews, library access and collaborative projects that encourage shared learning and experimentation.

Two special guests will headline this year’s convention, Renowned origami master Robert J. Lang will appear alongside leading British designer Wayne Brown.

Lang has built an international reputation for combining origami with mathematics, science and engineering. Researchers and designers have applied his techniques across fields ranging from medical technology to space telescope design.

Brown creates simplified yet expressive models and has spent decades developing popular animal designs. Many in the UK origami community widely regard him as one of its most influential figures.

The event is also supported by Tuttle Publishing, which will provide every attendee with a pack of patterned origami paper. This gives participants the chance to experiment with a wide range of designs and techniques throughout the weekend.

How to attend the York Origami Convention

The British Origami Society Spring Convention will take place at Bootham School in York from 10–12 April 2026.

Further information about attending, membership and ticket bookings can be found through the official British Origami Society. Ticket booking details are available through the Trybooking event page.

Visitors hoping to take part in the convention’s planned Guinness World Record attempt can register their interest during booking. They can also register by emailing conventions@britishorigami.org.