Murdoch’s philosophy has often been neglected in favour of her novels. In this course we will remedy this imbalance. Beginning with the novel The Bell, we will look at the relationship between her philosophy and her fiction. We will then reflect upon the influence of Existentialism on her oeuvre before immersing ourselves in her best-known
A traditional skill that increases accuracy within observational drawing, life drawing feeds into all areas of art practice. Expand, refine, and challenge yourself reinforcing all the essential fundamentals in a small group and working direct from a life model. Catherine MacDiarmid (Cumbria www.highamhall.com/catherine-macdiarmid) Residential: £385 Non-residential: £275
Images of Ullswater and Rannerdale will epitomise the dynamic Lakeland spring scenery. Work with Margaret's patient expert guidance as you gently explore the potential of the humble pencil to produce high quality pictures inspired by first-hand experience of the setting. For all. Margaret Eggleton (Surrey www.highamhall.com/margaret-eggleton) Residential: £490 Non-residential: £355 (incl. field trips)
Aim to complete three beautiful pieces of silver jewellery. Although set projects, everyone will put their own stamp on their designs and the pieces will be very individual. Traditional techniques will be covered such as saw piercing, roll printing, metal forming, hammering and texturing, soldering and finishing. Very hands-on, intensive and taught step-by-step, ideal for
In this follow up to beginners, we focus on a significant 19th century development which countered rough-handed use and became very popular with public and private libraries. One of the most satisfying bindings, Library-style Buckram uses many Account book binding features, giving maximum head-to-tail support, combining endpapers, spine linings and boards allowing it to stand
For lovers of natural history and the countryside, and an eye opener for anyone wishing to develop awareness of our environment. Walk contrasting Cumbrian sites where conservation management has helped the habitats of rare butterflies including Marsh Fritillary, Mountain Ringlet, Small Blue and The Forester. Presentations will consider wider conservation issues. Chris Winnick with Claire
For intermediate players (roughly Grades 4-6). An opportunity to play together over a pleasant weekend with others, with expert guidance as appropriate. Annemarie Klein (Edinburgh www.highamhall.com/annemarie-klein) Residential: £270 Non-residential: £190
Due to popular demand we are able to offer these additional dates for those experienced Embroiderers, Weavers and Sewers to take advantage of some space (at a bargain price!) developing your own projects free of distractions, whilst enjoying the Higham magic, including the food! No tutor, but a chance to share ideas, relax and maybe
The Lake District has few equals for all-round bird watching. Find early summer residents and visitors, and, both in- and out-doors, explore habitats from upland fells to rivers, lakes and coast. Comfortable pace, ideal for learning to recognise birds by both sight and sound. Reasonable walking required (Level 2). Keith Offord (Shropshire www.highamhall.com/keith-offord) Residential: £565
Inspirational and fun for both existing beaders and newbies. Revel in the thrill found in every bead being unique! Experiment with different effects and colours for exciting necklace and earrings, or an unusual pendant. Thread your creations like a professional and use a variety of findings (the small parts that make up a piece of
Hand stitches in neutral shades with subtle enhancements creating texture and 3D effects. Beginners or experienced welcome, work on either a Calico Garden Sampler to frame or your own project. Angie Burt (Lancashire www.highamhall.com/angie-burt) Residential: £365 Non-residential: £255 (WEEKEND course follows)
Hands-on! Bring chair, stool, ottoman, headboard... Build up from scratch or just re-cover, tackle interior paddings with traditional or modern techniques. Please contact Cathy prior to your course to discuss your project needs 07770 714103. Cathy Newbery (Cumbria www.highamhall.com/cathy-newbery) Residential: £270 Non-residential: £190
Romantic composers moved away from sonatas for piano in favour of shorter pieces with poetic titles. Chopin's Ballade no.1, Brahms' 2nd Rhapsody, Mendelssohn’s Bee’s Wedding and Liszt's Un Sospiro, are amongst the familiar repertoire. Schumann, Grieg and Rachmaninov also feature. Ian France (Cumbria www.highamhall.com/ian-france) Residential: £270 Non-residential: £190
Hand stitches in neutral shades with subtle enhancements creating texture and 3D effects. Beginners or experienced welcome, work on either a Calico Garden Sampler to frame or your own project. Angie Burt (Lancashire www.highamhall.com/angie-burt) Residential: £270 Non-residential: £190 (Follows a 3 NIGHT course)
You will spend the morning building confidence by practising watercolour techniques painting petals, leaves and berries. The afternoon is spent painting flowers and plants from the beautiful gardens here at Higham. Informal, fun and relaxed. Everyone welcome, even if you think you won't be any good! All materials supplied and you get to keep your sketchbook.
*NEW* Enjoy visits to places on the Solway with a link to Roman heritage and some medieval history thrown in for good measure. For photographers and artists as well as history fans. Sorry, no dogs. Fiona Stoddart (Solway Connections www.highamhall.com/fiona-stoddart) Residential: £410 Non-residential: £300 (incl. field trips and lunches out)
Join Frances for a few days in the studio to do your own thing with Frances’ guidance and expertise. Frances Winder (S Cumbria www.highamhall.com/frances-winder) Residential: £270 Non-residential: £190
A Lake District speciality since 1884, using Needlepoint Lace techniques for drawn thread and cut linen work with geometric designs. Suitable for both beginner and experienced. If required, a starter pack (£12) is purchasable from the Tutor. Karen Quickfall (Lancashire www.highamhall.com/karen-quickfall) Residential: £270 Non-residential: £190
Explore the Yoga tradition, balancing seasonal effects through diet, daily routine and Yoga practice. Essentially practical, using posture, breathing, meditative techniques and just a tiny bit of theory. All levels. Amanda Oakes (Cumbria www.highamhall.com/amanda-oakes) Residential: £270 Non-residential: £190
From Dip pens to Biros, explore the possibilities of this versatile medium. The course is aimed at beginners or as a refresher for the more experienced. Working in the classroom and the wonderful grounds at Higham on a number of projects set by tutor Ceri. Ceri Allen (Carlisle www.highamhall.com/ceri-allen) Residential: £270 Non-residential: £190 ESSENTIAL
Paint in a variety of settings: Studio, Higham grounds and Lakes National Park. Enjoy demos, paint-alongs and painting en plein-air. Photograph and print your own scenes ready for painting. Develop skills, improve confidence. Beginners upwards. Mike Dobson MBE (N Yorkshire www.highamhall.com/mike-dobson) Residential: £465 Non-residential: £330
Some gentle level walking through woods to collect specimens and identify trees in leaf. Develop your relationship with trees and their ecosystem, guided by a respected, patient expert in one of the most stunning areas of our country. Paul Nichol (N Cumbria www.highamhall.com/paul-nichol) Residential: £380 Non-residential: £270 (incl. field trips)
A choice of projects available or bring your own. Choose from a lap quilt, a Christmas wall hanging or maybe try your hand at bag making. Relax with new friends and old as you sew your day away. Lis Binns (Lancashire www.highamhall.com/lis-binns) Residential: £470 Non-residential: £335
Using Helen’s unusual mix of media, this course combines the impact of ink with the softness and subtlety of coloured pencil, perfect for the lakeside in summer. Practise mark-making in ink and blending, embossing and lifting out in coloured pencil. Integrate both media to build a harmonious image using cool reflections, soft light and contrasting
A perfect mix - sessions of hatha yoga (postures, breathing exercises, relaxation) coupled with guided walks of 3-5 miles, (requiring a reasonable level of fitness), among the peaceful northern fells - which will leave you feeling supple, relaxed and refreshed! Suitable for beginners and experienced. Gill Hunter with Alan Hunter (Cumbria www.highamhall.com/gill-hunter) Residential: £480 Non-residential:
Old books are history and deserve TLC. Bring along at least three books (no larger than A4) and be guided step by step through each process, learning techniques of paper repair and cover restoration using modern materials and keeping as much of the original as is practical. Leather bound books can be more difficult to
Dyeing cotton fabric in cold water Procion dyes is easy and fun. Dye a rainbow of fabrics (red to blue to yellow to red), learn some Shibori techniques and fun ways to dye fabric. We may be able to try Sun Dyeing (weather permitting) or other techniques like Parfait Dyeing. Use the fabric in future
*NEW* A gentle sing together workshop which welcomes all abilities including those with little experience of folk singing. No, you do not need to read music - folk music traditionally is passed on by ear. Warm-up, sing in rounds and in parts, become acquainted with a wonderful repertoire with professional folk duo Rosie and Will
Many watercolour painters want to paint impressionistically. Creating colourful, light touch paintings that feel spontaneous and full of life. This course provides an opportunity to look at how Impressionism might be applied to watercolour painting, prompting you to explore cleaner, brighter, colour use in conjunction with more lively and varied brush work. Impressionist watercolours strip
Carl Jung’s theories changed the way we see the world by increasing understanding and awareness of Self and our life purpose. In this workshop we will explore his meaning of the unconscious as a container of life experience and one’s creative potential. Experiential learning through self-reflective exercises, discussion and more will bring his theories alive
George and Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin and Cole Porter - icons of the 1920s and 30s - created wonderful songs which have become timeless classics. Immerse yourself in the lush harmonies of the era and enjoy a mix of ballads, swing and jazz. (Unaccompanied) Some choir experience is useful but sight reading not necessary.
Wind Chamber course for high-advanced amateur players (diploma-standard level 1 minimum) to work in-depth on substantial original repertoire with the highest level of tuition. All works studied will be performed complete in informal concerts on the last day. The course includes a mid-week Tutors' concert. Laurence Perkins (bassoon - www.highamhall.com/laurence-perkins) with Philippa Davies, Colin