Calendar of Courses
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3 events,
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
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
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)
3 events,
FULLY BOOKED: PRINTMAKING WORKSHOP
Explore a wide range of techniques: woodcut (cutting in plankwood); engraving (on endgrain hardwood or plastic); drypoint (drawing on metal with steel); and etching, (using acid to etch on a zinc plate). Make handmade prints to your own design. Beginners or experienced. Peter Collins Residential: £520 Non-residential: £380
4 events,
CHINESE BRUSH PAINTING FOR THE TERRIFIED
Come and explore the relaxing free flowing brush strokes of this ancient artform. You will be surprised at how quickly a good painting can be formed. Traditional and modern topics covered. Lots of support for absolute beginners and interesting projects for the more experienced. Materials will be provided. Peta Allingham Residential: £430 Non-residential: £305 (inc.
4 events,
ITALIAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL RETREAT
Do you love Italy? Are you looking to improve your Italian conversation and immerse yourself in Italian culture? Join Antonella in her 2025 retreat at Higham Hall. The retreat will balance structured group activities with plenty of free time to explore Italian film, literature and music. You will be encouraged and supported to build confidence
4 events,
BRASS BAND WEEKEND
A serious yet relaxed weekend for brass band players to rehearse and perform popular, and perhaps lesser-known, brass band repertoire. There will be both whole-band and sectional rehearsals. All prospective players must contact Martyn at martyngrisdale@gmail.com before enrolling to ascertain level, instrument(s) and suitability. Martyn Grisdale (course leader) with Andy Kershaw and Dr Brett Baker
2 events,
DRAWING IN COLOUR
DRAWING IN COLOUR
A course exploring the great variety of different coloured drawing materials and techniques used - with inspiration from work by artists both past and present. Ceri Allen £95 including lunch BOOK ONLINE: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/DSHJ
2 events,
FULLY BOOKED: STRING CHAMBER MUSIC WORKSHOP
A course for preformed string chamber music groups, working at self programmed repertoire. Richard Muncey (viola) and Heather Bills (cello) will join the tutoring team. Louise Latham Residential: £330 Non-residential: £245
2 events,
INTRODUCTION TO UPHOLSTERY (3)
INTRODUCTION TO UPHOLSTERY (3)
Sprung seat/dining chair/larger stool. Tackle one of these more challenging pieces and increase your technical range. For beginners, working through techniques to equip you with basic skills and knowledge of upholstery. This is the third in a series of day courses in October, December and February. It can be attended on its own or alongside
4 events,
PALETTE KNIFE EXPERIMENTS
Learn to use the palette knife as part of your mark-making repertoire. Have fun applying paint without a brush! Using drag, scrape and spread techniques. Explore the sculptural qualities of paint playing with textures and layers and mixing colours directly on the surface of the canvas. This humble artist’s tool can unlock many new possibilities
BEGINNERS DRESSMAKING WITH LIS BINNS
For anyone with little or no knowledge of dressmaking or for those with little confidence, make an item of clothing of your own choice, using your own fabric. The tutor will show you how to cut out, how to interpret the instructions, and what the instructions don’t tell you. You will also learn how to
PILATES & NORDIC WALKING
Nordic walking is the perfect accompaniment to pilates. Both disciplines focus on core engagement; learning the basics of pilates will enhance the practice of Nordic walking. Body control pilates is a safe, effective form of body conditioning that works by strengthening the core postural muscles, rebalancing the body and encouraging correct alignment. It is a
4 events,
A CREATIVE APPROACH TO LANDSCAPE – USING ACRYLIC AND SOFT PASTELS
Develop your approach to representing the experience of “being" in the landscape, rather than a faithful representation of what you see (although there is nothing wrong with that!). This course will introduce you to a variety of ways of breaking from a “traditional" approach helping you explore creative possibilities. Alex Jakob-Whitworth Residential: £410 Non-residential: £285
5 events,
LACE AS YOU LIKE IT
Have you ever wondered about how lace is made? Would you like to learn this fascinating craft? All abilities are welcome, from complete beginner through to advanced. Want to try a lace type that you have not made before? Most of the many different lace types can be accommodated in the class. If you have a
WINTER YOGA RETREAT: TOWARDS A PERSONAL PRACTICE
Alongside the practical practices and breathwork this course give the opportunity to explore the benefits of this accessible approach to yoga, adapted to the individuals ability and need. All levels welcome. Amanda Oakes Residential: £305 Non-residential: £220
5 events,
LACE AS YOU LIKE IT
Have you ever wondered about how lace is made? Would you like to learn this fascinating craft? All abilities are welcome, from complete beginner through to advanced. Want to try a lace type that you have not made before? Most of the many different lace types can be accommodated in the class. If you have
FULLY BOOKED: WATERCOLOUR LANDSCAPES FOR BEGINNERS
Learn how to paint a simple but effective landscape including skies, hills, trees, hedgerows and other landscape features. This is suitable for beginners and for intermediate levels who want to brush up their technique. It is a taught course using step-by-step demonstrations and individual help is given throughout. Jane Beech Residential: £325 Non-residential: £240 includes
3 events,
WINTER LANDSCAPE: SKETCHING AND PAINTING
For the artist, mid-winter offers unique qualities of light, colour and pattern despite the short daylight hours and challenging weather. On this course we will go to accessible northern Lake District landscape locations to explore these qualities in sketching. I will then help you to develop expressive studio responses in both drawing and painting. Through
3 events,
MODERN ROMANCE: KURT SCHWITTERS IN THE LAKES
Join our principal Dr Lizzie Fisher to revisit her recent research on the late work of Kurt Schwitters, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century who spent his final years in the Lake District. During this brief but intensely productive time, and despite terrible ill health, Schwitters made over 300 works, performed
DISCOVERING PEN AND INK
Create textures, tonal areas and decorative patterns in pen and ink, then combine them to create a finished drawing. With demos throughout and access to a variety of pens to experiment with, by the end you should be able to handle your materials with confidence. Jane Beech Residential: £305 Non-residential: £220
4 events,
FULLY BOOKED: 17TH & 18TH CENTURY CHAMBER MUSIC WORKSHOP
For pre-formed chamber groups (with or without singer) who should bring at least 4 pieces to work on which can be at varying stages of readiness. Work at 415 or 440Hz, with availability of one harpsichord playable at either pitch, plus Higham's transposable electric pianos. Tutors' recital on Saturday evening, with an informal participants' concert
3 events,
A RECITAL BY EDEN BAROQUE
A RECITAL BY EDEN BAROQUE
To Welcome Spring: expressive arias and upbeat instrumental music from the 17th & 18th centuries to put a positive spring in our collective steps. Programme includes music by Vivaldi, Rameau, Handel, Purcell and Telemann. Eden Baroque are Michael Sanderson baritone, baroque violin & viola, and Katharine May harpsichord. Tickets £18 or £32 for 2. Includes a glass
4 events,
FULLY BOOKED: THE AXE FACTOR: EXPLORING NEOLITHIC STONE AXE PRODUCTION, EXCHANGE AND COMMUNICATION
Six thousand years ago, the Central Lake District was the focus of an intensive production process with a wide distribution network. A very particular type of stone, which outcropped around the highest fells, was much sought after by Neolithic communities. They quarried, shaped, and polished it to create valuable axe-heads that were traded throughout Britain
NURTURE THROUGH NATURE WINTER YOGA RETREAT
Develop a sense of harmony and balance within yourself and the world in which you live. Suitable for all abilities. Using Ayurvedic wisdom, practicing ‘pranayama’ (breath control), ‘asanas’ (yoga postures) and through ‘dhyana’ (meditation) we will look to nature to nurture an inner state of peace and calm. Andrea Sanders-Fox Residential: £305 Non-residential: £220
3 events,
FULLY BOOKED: DRAMATIC SEASCAPES, SKIES AND LANDSCAPES
Extend your artistic skills to create dramatic seascapes and skies using soft pastels. Demonstrations throughout, support for beginners and encouragement for the more experienced. Supportive one-to-one critique encouraging you to use this exciting and very versatile medium. Residential: £410 Non-residential: £285
4 events,
LAKE DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHY
Capture the beauty of the Lake District through the lens of your camera with tuition from award-winning photographer Ben Bush. Visit different locations to learn & practice techniques that will enable you to take better pictures, then back in the classroom explore editing techniques to bring out the best in your images. Weather permitting, we will also have
3 events,
THE VICTORIANS
The Victorian Age in Britain was an age of great dynamism, creativity, complexity and change. Through a series of biographical talks on notable figures such as Florence Nightingale, Joseph Paxton, Catherine Booth, Thomas Cook & Son and Lord Curzon of Kedleston (Viceroy of India), this course will shine a light on themes as diverse as
5 events,
FULLY BOOKED: GEOLOGY OF SCOTLAND
Scotland has had an extremely eventful geological history for a country of its size, and this is reflected in its vast array of geological features. Come on this course and discover some of the oldest rocks on our planet. This is an entirely indoor course delivered through a series of illustrated talks. A large selection
EXPRESSIVE LANDSCAPES WITH SOFT PASTELS
For experienced artists wanting to become more expressive and confident with abstract techniques when using soft and hard pastels (with fixative) on different surfaces. Weather permitting, Higham's grounds will provide direct inspiration from nature alongside studio-based direction. Some of the taught techniques on this workshop are not for complete art beginners but pastel newbies are
5 events,
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: STRING CHAMBER MUSIC WORKSHOP
A course for preformed string chamber music groups, working at self programmed repertoire. Cath Yates (violin/viola) and Heather Bills (cello) will join the tutoring team. Residential: £330 Non-residential: £245