Calendar of Courses
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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
6 events,
INSPIRED BY ST IVES
A new and delightful course working in the studio from imagery and still life arrangements. Bring along your images from visits to the coast and interpret them with inspiration from St Ives artists Ben and Winifred Nicholson, Peter Lanyon and Wilhelmina Barns-Graham amongst many others. This is a course for those with some painting experience.
FULLY BOOKED: PORTRAITURE (CLOTHED LIVE MODELS)
One of the essential skill sets for artists, during this course we will focus on the clothed model and will include working from live sitters. You will be guided to experiment towards a freer, yet meaningful drawing style. You will expand, refine and challenge your drawing practice whist reinforcing all the essential fundamentals with in
EXPLORE EMBROIDERY (WINTER SPECIAL 3 nights for 2)
A friendly course for all, from new to the more experienced. Bring your own project for helpful guidance or choose a project available from the tutor. 2nd of 3 successive courses with Angie - each with the 3 for 2 special offer! Angie Burt Residential: £305 Non-residential: £220
4 events,
EXPLORE EMBROIDERY (WINTER SPECIAL 3 nights for 2)
A friendly course for all, from new to the more experienced. Bring your own project for helpful guidance or choose a project from the tutor. Last of 3 successive courses with Angie - each with the 3 for 2 special offer! Angie Burt Residential: £305 Non-residential: £220
3 events,
RICHARD STRAUSS: TONE POEMS
In the 1890s Richard Strauss dazzled the musical world with a series of celebrated tone poems. From Don Juan to Till Eulenspiegel, Also Sprach Zarathustra (2001 Space Odyssey) to the Alpine Symphony and from Death & Transfiguration to Ein Heldenleben we will feast our ears on his rich orchestral palette and his depiction of character
FULLY BOOKED: UPHOLSTERY WEEKEND
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. Contact information available from the Higham office. Cathy Newbery Residential: £305 Non-residential: £220
4 events,
SUNDAY LECTURE: A Shadow of Magnitude: Black Lives in the English Lake District, 1660–1870
SUNDAY LECTURE: A Shadow of Magnitude: Black Lives in the English Lake District, 1660–1870
This lecture will document and consider the historical presence of people of African ancestry in Cumbria between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. Building on the foundational research of regional archivists and historians, the lecture will dwell on the evidence that survives of these peoples’ lives and explain what that evidence reveals about Cumbria’s social makeup
5 events,
HERITAGE OIL AND WATER GILDING
This is a practical course aimed at beginners, although more experienced students are welcome. Over four days, you will master the art of traditional water and oil gilding. Using skilled processes, you will prepare a picture frame, decorative object, letter of the alphabet and picture rail for gilding with 23.75ct gold leaf, as well as
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!
SKETCHBOOKS FAST & LOOSE: LINE AND TONE
Artful games to get creative inspiration flowing. Learn new ways of seeing objects, recording swift impressions using your sketchbook, so this becomes an essential aid to design and art projects. Use black-and-white and monotone to record what you see, without feeling that it needs to be a photographically accurate representation. Sketchbooks have been used by
LAURENCE PERKINS: VIENNESE MUSIC
All applications to be made initially through Laurence to ascertain ensemble line-up. www.laurenceperkins.com/wind-serenades Laurence Perkins Residential: £590 Non-residential: £450
INTRODUCTION TO BRYOPHYTES (MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS)
INTRODUCTION TO BRYOPHYTES (MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS)
An introductory course in which we will look at identifying some of the most common bryophytes. We will look at the main features that help with identification, collect some species from the grounds and practise using a key. We will use hand lenses and microscopes to appreciate the details of these tiny plants and get
5 events,
A NEW YEAR VIENNESE CONCERT BY CANDLELIGHT
A NEW YEAR VIENNESE CONCERT BY CANDLELIGHT
A varied programme of Viennese music (Haydn, Schubert, Mozart, Beethoven and others) performed by candlelight Laurence Perkins and friends. tickets £18 or £32 for 2. Includes a glass of wine in the bar afterwards. Proceeds towards the Higham building appeal. BOOK ONLINE: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/DSHB
5 events,
GET WEAVING!
Explore the use of colour and texture. Dress a loom. Understand how to read pattern draft. Suitable for both absolute beginners and developing weavers. Jan Beadle Residential: £410 Non-residential: £285 (Yarns £15 available to purchase from tutor)
4 events,
ENAMELLING WEEKEND
Work on copper, silver, or steel; make enamelled jewellery, small tiles, or panels. Skills include: enamel application, kiln use, control and safety, foils, stencils, sgraffito and other techniques as desired. Absolute beginners welcome. Materials available to purchase from Tilly (£5-£20 dependent upon project). Tilly Wilkinson Residential: £315 Non-residential: £230
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
3 events,
6 events,
BOTANICAL WATERCOLOUR PAINTING
The flowers in the garden may be gone, but pot plants, florists’ blooms and even fruit, nuts and vegetables provide us with a range of subjects to study in watercolour. Individual help and frequent demonstrations will help both experienced and beginners to produce an accurate portrayal of the chosen subject. Marion Wilson SBA Residential: £410
SING WITH OTHERS: YES, YOU CAN!
A chance to sing with others, even if this is your first time. This course is a great confidence builder, particularly if you have been told that you can’t sing or if you can but would like more experience. A very friendly and happy course, where we will explore the skills of ensemble singing and
FULLY BOOKED: ENAMELLING WEEK
Four full days for time-consuming techniques (painted enamels, advanced cloisonne, plique a jour). Work on copper, silver, or pre-prepared steel; making enamel jewellery, small panels, bowls, or kiln-fired beads. Some experimental techniques may be tried; such as raku firing, solar Riso screens and marbled enamels. Beginners or more experienced. Materials available to purchase from Tilly
4 events,
ON NOT KNOWING: HOW ARTISTS THINK
Join our principal Lizzie to explore contemporary artists' practices from a curator's point of view. I will introduce you to a range of artists' practices and their wider cultural and art historical contexts through lectures and studio visits with local artists. We will consider the questions that artists face every time they enter the studio:
4 events,
TEXTS, TRADITIONS & TRANSLATIONS: THE CREATION OF THE BIBLE
As with all great literature the story of how the Bible emerged is a fascinating one. Why were some books included and others failed to make the cut? Why do Catholics and Orthodox have more books in their canon than Jews and Protestants? What happens when you translate a text out of its original language,
FULLY BOOKED: INTRODUCTION TO MEDIEVAL MANUSCRIPT ILLUMINATION
Use skills passed down by medieval craftspeople to create small designs using 23 carat gold and pigments. No drawing experience is necessary. A selection of medieval and contemporary designs are available to trace, including illuminated letters, but creativity is welcomed. Toni Watts Residential: £325 Non-residential: £240 (incl. materials)
4 events,
FULLY BOOKED: ALAN BARNES JAZZ MASTER CLASS
Develop your jazz playing with award winning saxophonist/ clarinettist Alan Barnes. A relaxed look at jazz theory for instrumentalists with lots of opportunities to play and practise together. You need to be able to read music, understand chords and preferably have some rehearsal band experience. Alan Barnes Residential: £580 Non-residential: £430
MANUSCRIPT ILLUMINATION: MORE CHALLENGING TECHNIQUES
This course is only suitable for those with experience in laying manuscript gesso and using loose leaf gold. During the workshop you will work on three small projects, one which will combine flat and raised gilding, one which combines different colours or textures of gold (with the option to add tooling) and one where you
3 events,
BOTANICAL ART IN COLOURED PENCILS: DEPICTING HOUSE PLANTS
In the winter months, when botanical choices are limited, house plants can provide some interesting challenges for the botanical artist. They have undergone a recent revival in popularity and there are lots of interesting and often unusual types to choose from. Flowers can be optional - or exotic - but colour may also be a
4 events,
DRAWING THE FIGURE WITHOUT A MODEL
If you have ever wanted to be able to draw figures without always having to rely on reference material then this course is a great introduction. Jason Skill, your tutor, taught life drawing for many years and found that basic construction drawing was the key component that helped students become more confident and capable at
4 events,
FULLY BOOKED: BRIGHT COLOURS IN A DARK MONTH
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND, this short painting course with Robert will focus on getting to grips with the creative potential of Derwent's Inktense blocks on Canson cotton rich watercolour paper (all materials provided). This highly versatile new painting medium allows for bold mark-making, glazing and layering - perfect for achieving expressive, semi-abstract compositions. We will
3 events,
JUST FOR GIRLS – DA DOO RON RON!
A fun weekend exploring songs by girl groups over the decades and iconic female singers. Two or three part harmony depending on level of singers. Some choir experience helpful. Chris Hale Residential: £305 Non-residential: £220
5 events,
OUT OF THE DARK: POETRY PAINT PROCESS
This is an experimental creative course aimed at anyone interested in the relationship between words and images. Making the most of the long nights at this time of year, we will explore how we see differently in the dark, using experimental techniques to draw images out of darkness and find texts which shine a light
GET WEAVING!
Explore the use of colour and texture. Dress a loom. Understand how to read pattern draft. Suitable for both absolute beginners and developing weavers. Jan Beadle Residential: £410 Non-residential: £285 (Yarns £15 available to purchase from tutor)