Calendar of Courses
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3 events,
VIOL AND RECORDER CONSORT PLAYING
Two parallel, friendly courses for players at any level, though not beginners ie. confident at playing one to a part. The music will be chosen to suit the participants and depending on numbers could be in anything from three to six parts. For those who wish there are opportunities to mix and match between the
EXPLORE THE FUN OF COLLAGE
Collage frees you up from the ‘rules’ of representational drawing or painting and allows you to explore a more personal artistic language. It is a technique that combines found images, printed text or textured surfaces – often alongside painted or hand-drawn elements – to create an image that can be abstract, expressive and sometimes contain
FULLY BOOKED: BIRD SONGS AND CALLS
There is no doubt that familiarity with bird songs and calls plays an essential part in the process of locating and identifying them. For example, the clamour of bird song in springtime woodland gives an indication of the both the number and identity of birds present, which might otherwise be overlooked. This course, deliberately timed
3 events,
FULLY BOOKED: SKETCHBOOK SKILLS
The students will be shown a series key sketching skills and explore ideas working first from photographs and then from life working around the grounds of Higham Hall. The aim is to become more confident and skilful at sketching, creating visual mementos within your sketch book of your time at Higham Hall, weather permitting. Jason
4 events,
EMBROIDERY FOR BEGINNERS
Come and learn how to embroider in a relaxed environment. Learn stitches and techniques for the first time. This class is for students with no experience of stitching. A kit will be provided starting at £15 which will include everything you need. Angie Burt Residential: £350 Non-residential: £245
INTRODUCING SILENT FILM
This course will introduce the range of silent films made up to the late 1920s. We will be looking at both European and American cinema, ranging across comedy, melodrama, romance, the epic and the avant-garde. Many of the iconic films of the 1930s were reacting to their silent predecessors, and we will have plenty of
4 events,
BEAD EMBROIDERY
Embroider a beautiful piece of work using beads stitched onto silk fabric. Taster kits available from £25.00 upwards. Angie Burt Residential: £350 Non-residential: £245
2 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: £485 Non-residential: £330 (Yarns £15 purchasable from tutor)
3 events,
SPRING AND SUMMER FLOWERS IN COLOURED PENCIL AND WATERCOLOUR
Create beautiful works of art using coloured pencils and watercolour, illustrating spring and summer flowers in glorious detail. Fresh flowers will be used for reference as well as photos, paintings and demonstrations. Margaret will give individual attention to help each student create their own unique paintings to take home and frame. Margaret Eggleton Residential: £505
3 events,
FULLY BOOKED: WATER IN THE LANDSCAPE
Explore the qualities of water. Surface and reflections, still water, rushing water, tidal pools and waves crashing on to rocks: all have their own character and a variety of ways to express them.Join Frances as she shares her exploratory techniques and methods. This is accessible for students of all abilities in watercolour, gouache, and acrylics.
3 events,
FOLK N FELL 2025
We welcome back the well-established FolknFell weekend to Higham Hall. Three outstanding musicians lead a weekend of folk and acoustic ensemble playing, singing and informal sessions with time for walking. A great way to enjoy yourself, learn new material and meet new friends. With the option to take time to explore the local area on
4 events,
EXPLORING HEDGEROWS AND VERGES THROUGH ART AND SCIENCE
Enter the world of hedgerows, roadside verges and flower meadows to explore the flora and fauna of the valley landscape of the northern Lake District through science and art. On this brand new course co-taught by a scientist and an artist, venture out to investigate close-up how particular plants and animals relate in these habitats
FULLY BOOKED: VARIATIONS IN ACRYLICS
Use a wide range of acrylic painting methods, from soft watercolour-type washes, combining with collage and other materials to rag and card methods where thick paint is used to build up the surface. You will be surprised by the flexibility of this rich medium. Explore its limits and possibilities in Frances’ own work and learn
TIME TO WRITE
A creative retreat in the idyllic surroundings of the Lake District, which has been an inspiration to generations of writers. Whether you’re a beginner needing help to put your ideas on paper, or an author longing for a peaceful space, constructive feedback and the company of other writers, this is for you. There will be
5 events,
GEOLOGY OF THE LAKES: AN INTRODUCTION
Have you ever wondered why the topography and geology of the Lake District and wider Cumbria area varies so much? Find out as you travel through 500 million years of geological history on this course. There will be stories of ancient oceans, volcanoes, Himalayan-scale mountain ranges, tropical seas and swamps, deserts and ice ages. The
SILVER JEWELLERY: SILVER STONE-SET STACKING RINGS, BANGLES AND EARRINGS
Aimed at beginners and intermediate students, this course in silver jewellery introduces a number of different techniques for working on both silver sheet and wire plus simple stone-setting. Students will work on three designer jewellery projects: stone-set stacking rings, a bangle and earrings. Students should have reasonable manual dexterity and be able to safely use
6 events,
FULLY BOOKED: RUSKIN LACE
Ruskin Lace is a distinctive form of lace which originated as a cottage industry in the Lake District in the 1880s. You will be working on linen fabric using a combination of drawn thread and cut linen work, with the geometric designs being created using needlelace techniques specific to this type of lace. The course
INTRODUCTION TO GARDEN HISTORY
This course offers an introduction to garden history through the ages. It will examine trends in design, plant collecting, inspiration and socio-political contexts within and around gardens. Beginning with ancient Egypt, we will delve into the gardens of ancient Greece and Rome, followed by Medieval and Islamic gardens, then explore the Italian Renaissance and French
7 events,
EGYPT’S FEMALE PHARAOH: HATSHEPSUT
The exceptional reign of the female Pharaoh Hatshepsut (c. 1473-58 BCE) produced some of Pharaonic Egypt's most distinctive art and architecture. This course examines the historical context for Hatshepsut's time, her ambitious building and innovative artistic programme, and the officials who carried out her wishes. Dr Campbell Price Residential: £350 Non-residential: £245
FULLY BOOKED: RUSKIN LACE
Ruskin Lace is a very distinctive form of lace which originated as a cottage industry in the Lake District in the 1880s. You will be working on linen fabric using a combination of drawn thread and cut linen work, with the geometric designs being created using needlelace techniques specific to this type of lace. The
VISITING LAKELAND GARDENS
Join expert horticulturalist Louise on an intimate tour of Lake District gardens, including some not normally open to the public. Meet the gardeners, discover new plants and garden design inspiration behind the gates, walls and clipped hedges of some hidden horticultural gems of the Lake District. Louise Stoddart Residential: £525 Non-residential: £370 (incl. fieldtrips)
5 events,
FULLY BOOKED: BOOKBINDING: RESTORATION
Most books deteriorate over time and book conservators had to develop skills in restoring them. On this course you will learn the basics of book repairs using a variety of cloths, papers, and adhesives. You will learn how to: deconstruct a book in a safe and systematic fashion; repair both individual pages and sections; prepare
BASSOONS WITH LAURENCE PERKINS
Yes, honestly, only Bassoons allowed! Laurence Perkins with Catriona McDermid Residential: £709 Non-residential: £502 We can pick up at 5pm from Penrith Rail Station (+£40) BY PRIOR ARRANGEMENT ON BOOKING All applications to be made initially through Laurence to ascertain ensemble line-up: www.laurenceperkins.com/wind-serenades
4 events,
FULLY BOOKED: CONTEMPORARY BOOKBINDING STRUCTURES
This course will examine a range of binding styles and structures commonly used in contemporary bookbinding or book artists’ practices. The work is distinguished by an innovative, exploratory approach using materials in unorthodox and novel ways with potential for further adaptation and modification. The course will be practical and hands-on, using paper, board, card and
ATTIC WINDOWS QUILT
Attic Windows is a traditional quilt pattern that creates a three-dimensional window-like quilt design. It is a great pattern to show off large fabric designs, or even cut up a panel for the panes so that it looks like the viewer is looking through a window. There will time to fully make one or more
3 events,
A WEEKEND FOR FLUTES WITH PIANO
A friendly and relaxed weekend of flute playing, around Grade 3 and above, to build confidence and improve performing skills. Ask questions about tone and technique etc. with daily warm up sessions. Enjoy playing in a flute ensemble and have the chance to play and improve a solo piece of your own choice in the
7 events,
BEGINNERS AND IMPROVERS UKULELE
The course will cater for beginners (starting from scratch, learning together with fun and accessible rock and pop songs) and anyone who has already got to grips with the basic chords and would like to improve and develop their skills with new chords, alternative fingerings and tablature. Richard Sabey & Jennifer Pugh Residential: £400 Non-residential:
SKETCHING AND PAINTING THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Explore the varied and wonderful landscapes of the northern Lake District from stream and riverbank to lakeside fell by way of woodland through plein-air sketching and studio painting. Lionel will help you develop more powerful ways to express your feelings about the outdoor world, seen from afar or close-up, using traditional drawing and painting media
WOODLAND FLORA IDENTIFICATION
This course provides an introduction to the skills and knowledge required to identify wildflowers. Focusing on woodland plants that emerge and flower early in the growing season, we will also study a range of vascular plants including herbs, grasses, ferns, etc. also found in this habitat. The course will include classroom sessions where we explore
SUNDAY LECTURE: Understanding the Anthropocene
SUNDAY LECTURE: Understanding the Anthropocene
The Anthropocene is the proposed new phase of Earth’s history that tries to articulate how humans shape the Earth system. But what is the Anthropocene, why does it matter so much to academics, and why should it matter to the wider public? In this talk we will explore how the Anthropocene upends environmental, social and
4 events,
LIFE DRAWING
This course offers an opportunity for learners of all abilities to develop drawing direct from a life model. Life drawing is a traditional skill that increases accuracy within observational drawing and feeds into all areas of art practice. You will explore drawing techniques that develop both mark-making and measuring skills. You will be encouraged to
4 events,
BUTTERFLIES, MOTHS AND THE COUNTRYSIDE OF NORTH WEST CUMBRIA
For lovers of natural history and the countryside, this course is also an eye-opener for anyone wishing to improve their awareness of the natural world. Walk contrasting Cumbrian sites where conservation management has helped the habitats of rare butterflies including the Marsh Fritillary, Mountain Ringlet, Small Blue and The Forester. Lecture presentations in the evening
FULLY BOOKED: EXPRESSIVE SEMI-ABSTRACT SEASCAPES IN MIXED MEDIA
This short mixed media seascape course offers an opportunity to explore lots of creative and expressive art techniques in a really exciting way with seascapes! Robert will teach you how to engage with your subject in greater depth, incorporating meaning and feeling with a semi-abstract approach. You will work both in the studio and (weather
4 events,
MUSICAL DEDICATIONS
This course will take a different slant, unveiling a series of classical works inspired by, and dedicated to, a particular person. This may be another composer, a great performer (pianist, violinist, singer, conductor) or a romantic connection. A wide historical range will be covered, from the 16th to 20th centuries, and a wealth of beautiful
4 events,
FULLY BOOKED: LAKELAND BIRDS
Magnificent scree-covered slopes, tranquil lakes, hanging oak woodlands and dramatic sea cliffs are just a few of Cumbria's habitats which we will be exploring throughout this five-day course. We will take short local trips to sample the best of Cumbria's summer birdlife, including Wheatears, Ring Ouzels, Redstarts, Dippers, Pied Flycatchers Wood Warblers and Ospreys to