Calendar of Courses
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3 events,
WILLOW BASKET-MAKING – BEGINNERS
Work with Cumbria basket maker Phil Bradley to learn the techniques involved in English roundwork basketry. We will cover some of the basic elements of working with willow and - new for this year - visit Phil's studio and smallholding to take a look at the growing, harvesting and managing of willow beds. Phil Bradley
CARTOONS FOR CHRISTMAS
This entertaining short break will give you the basic skills necessary to draw cartoon figures and animals and offer several ingenious methods to cheat at drawing your own Christmas cards. Everyone can produce their own cartoon card with the aid of a few simple tricks, a modicum of practice and the supportive company of fellow
FULLY BOOKED: INSECTS IN CHINESE BRUSH PAINTING
You will either wish to improve your Chinese brush painting or be a painter wanting to try new techniques in this ancient artform that is still evolving. A relaxed, informative and practical course. Time will be spent on composition with a little theory from studying some masters. Lots of support, guidance and all materials necessary
4 events,
GEOLOGY WITH ANNETTE MCGRATH: ROCKS, MINERALS, FOSSILS
A thorough introduction to rocks, minerals and fossils through illustrated talks and hands-on practical sessions. You will have the opportunity to examine a museum-quality geological collection from around the world and scrutinise the inner secrets of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks down the microscope. A large selection of geological specimens, geological maps and books will
3 events,
SILVERPOINT, PEN AND BRUSH WITH INK
We will be exploring traditional drawing techniques including the old art of silverpoint - an early method of drawing used by artists such as Albrect Dürer and Leonardo da Vinci. It is a drawing made on a prepared ground using silver (or gold or copper) which then tarnishes, creating fine lines. There will also be
5 events,
CONTEMPORARY LANDSCAPE PAINTING
Look at fresh approaches to working from the landscape, via the lens of contemporary painting. With exercises, briefs and tutorials, be pushed to extend your responses to your chosen media and subject matter. Steve Humble Residential: £605 Non-residential: £420 (incl. field trips)
FULLY BOOKED: CHRISTMAS CREATIONS (MATERIALS PROVIDED)
Get into the Christmas Spirit! Arrangements will include several of the following: a scarlet Christmas basket, a lit bauble bowl, an icy winter scene, a lantern, a Scandi felt pot design, a decorated Christmas tree, a candlelit platter, a window ledge design with accessories. All materials will be provided. Just bring scissors, wire cutters and
AUTUMN YOGA RETREAT: TOWARDS A PERSONAL PRACTICE
An opportunity to explore and deepen your understanding of the accessible approach to yoga within the spirit of Vini yoga as developed by the pioneering yoga teacher T.K.V. Desikachar; adapted to the individuals ability and needs. All levels welcome. Amanda Oakes Residential: £305 Non-residential: £220
7 events,
FESTIVE FOLK SINGING WITH ROSIE AND WILL
Come and join Rosie and Will for some seasonal folk singing with this gentle introduction to singing folk music in three- and four-part harmony! Can’t read music? No problem - folk is an oral tradition, and we teach everything by ear. Learn how to warm up your voice, sing in rounds and in parts and
THE ART OF PAINTING NOCTURNES
Take advantage of the early sunsets of mid-winter to sketch the nocturnal scene from dusk to starry night at Higham Hall including natural and artificial light. Back in the studio we will develop these into painting studies that evoke a sense of nocturnal place and mood. We will look at great nocturnal painters like Whistler,
SUNDAY LECTURE: THE CULINARY CALENDER CUSTOMS OF CUMBRIA
SUNDAY LECTURE: THE CULINARY CALENDER CUSTOMS OF CUMBRIA
Until recently, the working class families of the farming, forestry and mining communities of Lakeland subsisted on a fairly simple diet, largely based on locally grown oats and barley. However, on feast days and other special occasions, this grainy monotony was enlivened by celebratory dishes, which often contained exotic spices and dried fruit. A Christmas
WILL FINN AND ROSIE CALVERT IN CONCERT
WILL FINN AND ROSIE CALVERT IN CONCERT
Join Will Finn and Rosie Calvert for festive spine-tingling harmonies and rousing instrumentation with warm and witty stage presence - a show not to be missed! Will Finn and Rosie Calvert £18 each or £32 for 2. Includes a glass of wine in the bar afterwards BOOK ONLINE: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/DSAL
4 events,
FULLY BOOKED: NORTH WEST FRONTIER OF ROME
For four centuries, the Great Wall of Hadrian marked the North West Frontier of Rome, an empire so vast the south east frontier rested on the Euphrates. Even today, the mighty stride of the Wall as it marches along the summit of the Whin Sill constitutes Rome’s grandest, most ambitious and enduring military monument. This
4 events,
MONO-PRINTED SLAB POTS AND BOXES
An introduction to mono-printing coloured slips onto clay slabs. These pre-decorated slabs can then be used to make many types of slab built pottery with edge to edge decoration. The technique enables a wide range of styles, from expansive gestural mark making to carefully constructed paper resist. Students will complete decorated pieces to the leather
FULLY BOOKED: YOGA AND CIRCLE DANCE
Yoga and circle dance complement each other beautifully. Yoga practice - postures, breathing techniques, relaxation - will alternate with sessions of circle dancing which is drawn from many countries and cultures, celebrates the seasons, is enjoyable, easy to learn and does not require a partner. Gill Hunter and Anne-Lise Kryger Residential: £430 Non-residential: £305
FULLY BOOKED: RUSKIN LACE
A Lake District speciality since the late nineteenth century, Ruskin lace was made from hand-spun and woven linen produced by cottagers around Coniston. Karen is a leading exponent of this heritage craft who brings extensive knowledge to support and guide you in traditional needlepoint lace techniques for drawn thread and cut linen work to create
4 events,
FULLY BOOKED: RUSKIN LACE
A Lake District speciality since the late nineteenth century, Ruskin lace was made from hand-spun and woven linen produced by cottagers around Coniston. Karen is a leading exponent of this heritage craft who brings extensive knowledge to support and guide you in traditional needlepoint lace techniques for drawn thread and cut linen work to create
5 events,
PILATES AND CIRCLE DANCE
Pilates and circle dance complement each other beautifully. Sessions of body-control pilates (a safe, effective form of body conditioning that works by strengthening the core postural muscles, re-balancing the body and bringing it back to correct alignment) - will alternate with sessions of circle dancing, which is drawn from many countries and cultures, celebrates the
FULLY BOOKED: WINTER BIRDS
Imagine spectacular gatherings of barnacle and pink-footed geese against a backdrop of a winter sunset and the massed pipings of thousands of waders as they swirl in the sky. Our Solway and Cumbrian coast is wintering ground for many species prior to their northward migration, hosting an exciting array of raptors. Hone your identification skills!
INTRODUCTION TO UPHOLSTERY (2)
INTRODUCTION TO UPHOLSTERY (2)
This workshop looks at furniture preparation - condition check, measuring for fabric, stripping, small repairs, woodworm, cleaning and inspecting filling to see what can be reused or what to replace it with. For beginners, the workshop is designed to equip you with basic skills and knowledge of upholstery. This is the second in a series of day courses
4 events,
FULLY BOOKED: DECORATIVE PAPER MAKING
Students will produce a range of decorated papers using techniques such as pigmented paste, suminagashi (Japanese ink marbling) and traditional paper marbling on a 'thickened' water surface. The samples produced will then be used to decorate a range of binding structures including Japanese stab, concertina and multi-section binding. Techniques used are very traditional and hands-on
4 events,
FULLY BOOKED: CURIOSITIES OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
This course will focus on some curious and intriguing aspects of the English language. Why has English the richest vocabulary in the world? Why is English spelling so infuriating? What do place names tell us? Why does the language change, and who makes the rules? Join this course to find answers to these and other
5 events,
WITHOUT FROM WITHIN
Using the wonderful setting of Higham Hall itself, this course explores the depiction of interior and exterior space; ‘looking through windows and entrances’ with inspiration from French artists Bonnard and Vuillard along with modern and contemporary influences. A painting course for those with some experience. Ceri Allen Residential: £520 Non-residential: £380
FULLY BOOKED: TRY FOR A DAY: BOTANICAL ART
FULLY BOOKED: TRY FOR A DAY: BOTANICAL ART
This informal and relaxed workshop is a gentle introduction to the delights of drawing from nature. You will spend the morning building confidence while closely observing individual flower petals, leaves and berries and practising watercolour techniques. The afternoon is spent painting flowers and plants from the beautiful gardens here at Higham. Everyone welcome, no experience
3 events,
CAROLS FOR EVERYONE
Carols and Christmas songs for everyone, from every background and every level of experience. We will explore music from all over the world, both known and less familiar, look at vocal basics, reading music and making music together. Deborah Catterall Residential: £305 Non-residential: £220
FULLY BOOKED: FRANCES IN RESIDENCE – FOCUS ON GESSO
Bring your own sketches and projects. Be shown different ways to use gesso to either build a whole picture or wash it with colour, exploring the rich possibilities of texture possible with this technique. This course is suitable for beginners or experienced artists who would like to experiment in company. Demonstrations of these methods for
0 events,
0 events,
3 events,
FULLY BOOKED: SILVER JEWELLERY: BRACELETS, RINGS AND PENDANTS
This course is aimed at beginners and intermediate level students. Students will make 3 beautiful pieces of silver jewellery - a bracelet and two rings. Summer and Winter course projects differ. Rebecca Halstead Residential: £410 Non-residential: £285 (materials available from tutor £48)
SONGWRITING SESSIONS WITH CHRIS MCSHANE
Chris will cover all the main aspects of songwriting technique with lots of fun exercises and the opportunity for students to develop their skills in a relaxed atmosphere. The course is open to singers, writers and musicians of all standards. There will be opportunities for students to work on their own and in groups. Topics
EXPLORE EMBROIDERY (WINTER SPECIAL 3 nights for 2)
Come and explore hand embroidery. This course is suitable for all levels of embroiderers, from those brand new to embroidery to the more experienced stitcher. You can choose from one of the kits available, good for an introduction into embroidery or from a selection of embroideries on display using your own fabric and threads. You