Calendar of Courses
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3 events,
YOGA AND WALKING: MID-SUMMER LONG WEEKEND
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:
FABRIC DYEING
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
FULLY BOOKED: BOOKBINDING: RESTORATION
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
3 events,
FULLY BOOKED: FOLK SINGING FOR THE TERRIFIED
*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
3 events,
FULLY BOOKED: PAINT LIKE AN IMPRESSIONIST WITH WATERCOLOUR
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
MAKING SENSE OF CARL JUNG AND THE UNCONSCIOUS
MAKING SENSE OF CARL JUNG AND THE UNCONSCIOUS
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
3 events,
SINGING: SUMMERTIME
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.
3 events,
FULLY BOOKED: WIND SERENADES SUMMER SCHOOL
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
2 events,
A VERY SPECIAL WOODWIND RECITAL
A VERY SPECIAL WOODWIND RECITAL
An hour of memorable musical performances, held in the intimate setting of our wonderful oak-floored Lecture Room. (One hour, no interval). Laurence Perkins (Bassoon) Philippa Davies (Flute) Colin Honour (Clarinet) Jan Willem Nelleke (Piano) ADMISSION £10 Proceeds to Stroke Association with Bar available beforehand and afterwards.
5 events,
FULLY BOOKED: BLOW! INTERMEDIATE WOODWIND WEEKEND
Grades 3 to 5 Flute, Oboe, Clarinet and Bassoon. Small and larger group playing under patient, enjoyable professional instruction. A great way to develop your playing! Notify us of instrument when booking. Patricia and Catriona Melville-Mason (Perthshire www.highamhall.com/tricia-trona-melville-mason Residential: £300 Non-residential: £220 BEGINNERS' WOODWIND takes place in May and STARTERS' MINI-ORCHESTRA in August.
FULLY BOOKED: ESSENTIAL DRAWING SKILLS: DRAWING THE HUMAN FORM
A starter or refresher to get to grips with the basics in drawing the human form. A clothed live model be available for a number of sessions during the course. Ceri Allen (Carlisle www.highamhall.com/ceri-allen) Residential: £275 Non-residential: £195 ESSENTIAL DRAWING SKILLS modules can work well as standalone sessions or, combined with others in the
PALETTE KNIFE EXPERIMENTS (MATERIALS PROVIDED)
Explore the application of paint through drag, scrape and spread technique. Play with mixing colours on the go and creating textures and layers (impasto). Palette knife painting lends itself to a variety of subject matters including the more abstract. Experience the freedom of using this tool to create your very own original masterpiece. Coral Grace
AN INFORMAL (& FREE) WOODWIND CONCERT – IN TWO HALVES
AN INFORMAL (& FREE) WOODWIND CONCERT – IN TWO HALVES
All are invited to share two 45-minute concerts at 11am and 2pm, spanning lunchtime, given by diploma-standard players, completing a masterclass here at Higham with Laurence Perkins. A little audience will be appreciated! ADMISSION FREE, but please do let us know if you intend to come so we can put out enough chairs! You are
6 events,
PAINTING THE SEA: CUMBRIA’S WEST COAST
Cumbria's west coast offers a varied subject for the landscape artist. Join professional landscape painter Lionel Playford on a journey of discovery in outdoor sketching and studio painting visiting old harbours, wide beaches, rocky headlands and salt marshes for inspiration. Lionel Playford (N Pennines www.highamhall.com/lionel-playford) Residential: £600 Non-residential: £430 (incl. field trips)
SCULPTURAL NEEDLEFELT
Create a high quality, characterful 3D sculpture, 12-18 inches in size, from wool fibre based on a wire armature. Theme choices include an art deco figure, a stone carving, or a caricature. Sympathetic, patient guidance from an outstanding felt artist (www.furzie.co.uk). Both experienced and beginners welcome. Michelle Hickman aka Furzie (Gloucestershire www.highamhall.com/michelle-hickman) Residential: £365
THE UNKNOWN OPERAS: A TOUR DOWN UMFAMILIAR ROADS
Giuseppe Verdi wrote some of the most celebrated operas ever known. Many of us have never heard some of his pre-fame magical works. Of around thirty stage works, seven or eight form a regular part of opera company repertoire; the remainder given only a rare airing, remain largely hidden. We will unearth some of this
4 events,
FULLY BOOKED: LEATHERWORK: QUALITY LEATHER BELT (MATERIALS PROVIDED)
Create your own leather belt using the traditional method of hand-stitching the saddle stitch. You will learn the finishing touches that make a quality belt. You will also be able to personalise your belt, or if you prefer a pair of coasters, with hand-tooled designs. Roslyn Whiting (http://highamhall.com/organiser/roslyn-whiting/) Residential: £290 Non-residential: £210 (incl. materials)
5 events,
PHILOSOPHY: DEATH, GOD AND THE MEANING OF LIFE
In this introduction to existentialism and the philosophy of religion, we eschew traditional approaches to questions of life’s meaning and God’s existence. Instead, we explore profound, historical and yet underdiscussed approaches to both; including, but not limited to, Kierkegaard’s proclamation that “God does not exist, He is eternal”. How does this connect with Nietzsche’s equally
FULLY BOOKED: PEWTERWORK (EVERYTHING PROVIDED)
Come and learn to give form and texture to flat sheet metal. Popularised by the Arts and Crafts Movement, pewterwork uses no heat, heavy tools, or machinery. Simple hand-held tools and an ability to follow direction are all that are needed to produce decorative pieces to wear or give as gifts. Tilly Wilkinson (Wirral www.highamhall.com/tilly-wilkinson)
FULLY BOOKED: LAKELAND ROCKS: TROPICAL SEAS, RAGING DESERTS AND ICE AGES
A more advanced course for those already introduced to the subject. We move on from our Ancient Rocks of Lakeland course, examining the Carboniferous to Present. Includes trips out and with walking - bring boots and outdoor gear! Dr. Annette McGrath (Cumbria www.highamhall.com/annette-mcgrath) Residential: £390 Non-residential: £280 (incl. field trips) Note: Our ANCEINT ROCKS
4 events,
WATERCOLOUR LANDSCAPES FOR BEGINNERS (EVERYTHING PROVIDED)
Learn how to paint a simple but effective landscape, including skies, hills, trees, hedgerows and other landscape features including adding buildings to the landscape. Suitable for beginner and intermediate levels who want to brush up their techniques. A taught course, using step-by-step demonstrations with individual help given throughout. Jane Beech (Cheshire www.highamhall.com/jane-beech) Residential: £485 Non-residential:
4 events,
SKETCHBOOK: FAST AND LOOSE!
Artful games to get creative inspiration flowing, all in the privacy of your own sketchbook. Be introduced to new ways of seeing objects, recording your impressions and using your sketchbook so you see this essential aid to Design and Art in a new light. Learn how sketchbooks have been used by different artists and why
CERAMIC SCULPTURE: GET A-HEAD!
Make face and head sculptures up to 30cm tall to be glazed and fired in a raku kiln at the end. Make a single larger piece using Cumbrian brick clay, fired later by us when dry. This is the real deal! Martin Copley (Cumbria www.highamhall.com/martin-copley) with Kay Latto Residential: £690 Non-residential: £490
4 events,
LOOSENING UP WITH WATERCOLOUR
LOOSENING UP WITH WATERCOLOUR
Sometimes, artists want to move away from tight, realistic painting towards more relaxed, expressive ways of handling Watercolour. Escape rigid realism to become more playful with your painting. Dare to spatter, dribble, let pigment do the talking, embrace the happy accident and make your brush work more expressive and less fiddly. Share in the joyful,
4 events,
FULLY BOOKED: WAGNER: THE EASY WAY
People often keep Wagner at arm's length. Avoiding 'heavy' sounds and 'longueurs', this course aims to make his music approachable, with scenes and excerpts from across his operas. Throughout, the emphasis will be on Wagner's expressive music. A repeat due to demand! Ian France (Cumbria www.highamhall.com/ian-france) Residential: £270 Non-residential: £190
4 events,
FULLY BOOKED: VISITING LAKELAND GARDENS
Join expert Louise on an intimate tour of gardens, some not normally open to the public. Take inspiration and meet gardeners, viewing behind the gates, walls and hedges of some hidden horticultural gems of the Lake District. Louise Stoddart (Cumbria www.highamhall.com/louise-stoddart) Residential: £405 Non-residential: £295 (incl. field trips) Repeated in September.
6 events,
PASTELS: PURE AND SIMPLE
Learn and develop a mastery of chalk pastel on its own, delivering vibrant colours across a wide range of tones. Work from landscape and still life under guidance of an artist who continues the authentic approach of the much-missed Christopher Assheton-Stones. All levels of ability and an individualised approach is offered for previous attendees. Graham
FULLY BOOKED: CALICO GARDENS EMBROIDERY
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)
WILLOW BASKET – INTERMEDIATE (MATERIALS PROVIDED)
Slightly more advanced techniques will be covered to create a slightly more intricate hand basket with a handle, suitable for carrying shopping, tools or for enhancing a performance of Little Red Riding Hood. Sorry, this one is not for total beginners. Phil Bradley (Cumbria www.highamhall.com/phil-bradley) Residential: £390 Non-residential: £280 (incl. materials) A course more suitable
RECITAL: THE INSTRUMENT OF THE DEVIL
RECITAL: THE INSTRUMENT OF THE DEVIL
“CLAR’NETS, HOWEVER BE BAD AT ALL TIMES ... DEPEND UPON’T, IF SO BE YOU HAVE THEM TOOTING CLAR’NETS YOU’LL SPOIL THE WHOLE SET-OUT”. So said Michael Mail and Mr Penny in Thomas Hardy’s Under the Greenwood Tree. Ambrose Bierce in his Devil’s Dictionary also had a similar opinion: “CLARINET: AN INSTRUMENT OF TORTURE OPERATED BY
4 events,
REIVERS TO WEAVERS: VISITING THE BORDERS
Visit lesser-known heritage sites around our Border Lands. Medieval dwellings fortified against attack from Scottish raiders and the infamous Reivers; wild moorland scenery; wooded river valleys with a forgotten industrial past. Indoor and outdoor venues, some off-road walks, so dress for weather, walking and full-day minibus excursions. Sorry, no dogs. Fiona Stoddart (Solway Connections
5 events,
FULLY BOOKED: HILLS AND MOORS: LANDSCAPE IN RECYCLED FABRICS
Beginners and improvers. Create a landscape based on hilly landscapes and moorlands using a wide range of recycled, found and repurposed materials. Explore a wide range of experimental textile and mixed media techniques including layering and blending of fabrics. From inspiration to realisation, be supported and encouraged to play, taking a closer look at colour,
4 events,
APPRECIATING SHAKESPEARE IN PERFORMANCE: TWELFTH NIGHT
Shakespeare brings together romance and carnival in this world of separated twins, hopeless love triangles, lyrical poetry and practical jokes. Watch the Festival Players' outdoor performance at Higham, followed by a chance to discuss the production with director and cast. Lectures and discussions on the surrounding days will add context and depth. Clare Smout (Shropshire
2 events,
SHAKESPEARE IN THE GARDEN: TWELFTH NIGHT
SHAKESPEARE IN THE GARDEN: TWELFTH NIGHT
We welcome back the Festival Players for this great comedy and hope for good weather! Open 1.30 pm for picnics. Doggies with well-behaved owners welcome. The Festival Players www.thefestivalplayers.co.uk Tickets adults £15, school children £12 Our weekend course with Clare Smout, APPRECIATING SHAKESPEARE, focuses on this play and includes a ticket to this performance.
2 events,
JAZZ PLAYERS’ SUMMER SCHOOL
A serious, yet relaxed week for jazz players who are able to play and read music to rehearsal band standard. Play from Swing to Bebop in small groups under the superb guidance of three of England's best Jazz musicians. All prospective players must contact David 07951 903230 daveblackmusic@hotmail.com before enrolling to ascertain level, instrument(s) and
1 event,
2 events,
JAZZ CONCERT
JAZZ CONCERT
Our lively and diverting intimate evening of mainstream jazz with David Black and players from our residential Jazz course joined by very Special Guests saxophonist Alan Barnes and trumpeter Martin Shaw. Tickets £10 (Bar available)
4 events,
FULLY BOOKED: CIRCLE DANCE RETREAT
An extended Circle Dance retreat. Newcomers, as well as experienced, are welcome to join this inclusive form of community dancing where no partners are required. Music and dances drawn from worldwide cultures and countries and pace varies from lively to meditative. A tonic for body and mind! Anne-Lise Kryger (Cumbria www.highamhall.com/anne-lise-kryger) Residential: £465 Non-residential: £330
FULLY BOOKED: BOTANICAL COLOURED PENCIL: SUMMER SESSION
Ideal for those keen to spend a longer stay, maybe getting on with existing projects in our usual relaxed atmosphere, rotating individual attention so you may work at your own pace. Susan Christopher-Coulson (Lancashire www.highamhall.com/susan-christopher-coulson) Residential: £570 Non-residential: £400
FULLY BOOKED: SEMI-ABSTRACT MIXED MEDIA EXPRESSIVE LANDSCAPES
Explore contemporary mixed media techniques using watercolour, gouache, acrylic inks and soft pastel. We may venture outdoors (weather permitting) painting and drawing in a dramatic Lakeland landscape setting but this course mainly focuses on a studio response to our source material (sketches, photographs, drawings and so on) with a semi abstract and expressive direction in