Calendar of Courses
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5 events,
HIGHAM HALL CHOIR: ‘OTHER WORDLY’
Exploring the stunning Requiem by Herbert Howells and music by Renaissance composer Dionisius Prioris (1460 - 1514) whose music can only be described as crystalline and other worldly. We'll explore more early composers such as John Sheppard (In pace), William Byrd's Resurrexi and have a taste of Gregorian chant (In paradisum). Music is sent out
SPRING BULBS, BUDS AND BLOSSOM IN THE LANDSCAPE
Express your feelings by drawing and painting nature bursting out from hedgerows, verges, meadows and woods in spring. This special time of year is all about the energy and optimism of growth and colour. The course will help you observe directly from nature through outdoor sketching to then develop powerful expressive responses in the studio
FULLY BOOKED: SIX OF THE BEST CLASSICAL SYMPHONIES
Sharing our time with Haydn and Mozart, we will consider some of the most impressive symphonies of the Viennese Classical Era. Haydn’s Surprise, Clock and London symphonies confirm his mastery as the so-called Father of the Symphony. Mozart’s final three symphonies, nos. 39, 40 & 41 are generally regarded as his finest symphonic works. Ian
FULLY BOOKED: BOTANICAL ART IN COLOURED PENCIL: CAPTURING THE SIGNS OF SPRING
With colour creeping back into the plant world, what better time to capture the colours, textures and unfurling forms of spring: explore emerging fern crosiers, velvety wallflowers and violets, the fresh yellows of narcissi and true blues of grape hyacinths, the silky petals of early cherry blossom, the joyous riot of primula flowers and the
SPRING BULBS, BUDS AND BLOSSOM IN THE LANDSCAPE
Express your feelings in drawing and painting about nature bursting out from hedgerows, verges, meadows and woods in spring. This special time of year is all about the energy and optimism of growth and colour. The course will help you observe directly from nature through outdoor sketching then develop powerful expressive responses in the studio
5 events,
300 – THREE CENTURIES OF ANGLO-SCOTTISH WARFARE
A narrative overview of the Anglo-Scottish Border wars (1296 – 1603), focusing on conflict and identity, military activity and fortifications, battles, weapons and armour, the riding names, the blood feud/vendetta, the Border Laws and wardens, literary and cultural legacies, what are the resonances today? John Sadler Residential: £360 Non-residential: £255 (incl. field trips)
5 events,
WATERLOO ASSOCIATION WEEKEND
The Napoleonic Wars are often seen as the first modern global conflict which was brought to an end at the Battle of Waterloo. In this the 210th anniversary year, we will devote the entire weekend to the study of this dramatic campaign. We will analyse the composition of the French army of 1815, and the
3 events,
INNER SOLWAY HERITAGE
Minibus fieldtrips exploring the rich heritage of the inner Solway coast of Cumbria in England and Dumfries and Galloway in South West Scotland. Taking in the local history, landscape, lesser known heritage sites and cultural activities of an intriguing part of the British coast. Fiona Stoddart Residential: £535 Non-residential: £380 (incl. fieldtrips)
CAPTURING FLOWERS IN WATERCOLOUR AND PENCIL
Drawing and painting flowers is a lovely thing to do, though if you have never done it before it can be a bit daunting. Learn how to draw a basic flower and leaf shapes to start building your confidence then build upon this to produce a finished piece with details and shading. We will be
4 events,
WOMEN WRITERS OF THE LAKES
The literary landscape of the Lake District has been dominated by men, and its female writers, both 19th and 20th century have often been overlooked. The course will look at the lives and work of Dorothy and Dora Wordsworth, Sara Coleridge, Harriet Martineau, Beatrix Potter, Margaret Forster and Sarah Hall. Kathleen Jones Residential: £485 Non-residential:
CREATIVE RELIEF WOODCARVING
Relief carving is the process of cutting a pattern or design into a flat surface. For those new to the craft, Sharon will gently guide you through the process of transforming a block of wood into a unique image in relief with generous one-to-one support, technical instruction and extensive knowledge of her subject. Bring your
6 events,
CIRCLE DANCE
All are welcome to join in this inclusive form of community dancing where no partners are required. For newcomers and the experienced alike. Music and dances drawn from cultures and countries around the world; the pace varies from lively to meditative. A tonic for body and mind! Anne-Lise Kryger Residential: £350 Non-residential: £245
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
5 events,
FOLD & DAPPLE: POETRY PAINT PROCESS
Take a slow close look at springtime unfolding in the gardens of Higham Hall. Taking a lead from Gerard Manley Hopkins’ poem ‘Pied Beauty’ we’ll combine en plein air painting techniques with creative listings, couplings and connections from the things we observe, allowing curiosity and experimentation to unlock creative potential. Using both writing and mark-making
WOVEN TAPESTRY: BEGINNERS
Whether you are a beginner or in need of a refresher, this workshop is designed to give you a solid technical grounding in tapestry weaving. Participants will learn essential weaving techniques from setting up a loom, weaving a design, to finishing your tapestry. All equipment provided. Louise Martin Residential: £355 Non-residential: £250
4 events,
FINDING MY VOICE: BUILDING MY SELF-ESTEEM
FINDING MY VOICE: BUILDING MY SELF-ESTEEM
Using humanistic theories, we will explore self-esteem levels through held values, feelings, levels of respect and behaviours. The concept of an inner-critic and 'imposter syndrome' - influence and impact will be explored, alongside how we can begin to change this by developing an internal supportive ally. Lina Mookerjee £95 incl. lunch and refreshments BOOK ONLINE:
6 events,
DRAWING INTENSIVE
A comprehensive course covering the main aspects of drawing with both traditional and contemporary approaches using a variety of different media. We will work on form, tone, mark-making, and creating space using a variety of subjects including some figure work and fun experimental exercises. The course is suitable for all levels of experience. Course includes
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. See also FURTHER MEDIEVAL MANUSCRIPT ILLUMINATION with Toni, 15- 17 April. Toni Watts Residential: £370
WOVEN TAPESTRY: WORDS
Explore and learn techniques to convey words - meander, disappear, fast, up/down. How do you express these words playfully through colour and yarn choices? Louise Martin Residential: £355 Non-residential: £250
5 events,
WOVEN TAPESTRY: WEATHER
Sun, rain, sleet, wind, hurricane. How to create the mood and atmosphere of the elements using the wonderful medium of tapestry. Louise Martin Residential: £355 Non-residential: £250
FURTHER MEDIEVAL MANUSCRIPT ILLUMINATION
This an intermediate level course. Make perfect manuscript gesso using a traditional recipe, lay it smoothly and gild with loose leaf gold. This class is full of practical tips, helping you to achieve raised areas of gilding with a mirror shine. Those who are already able to make and lay gesso are welcome to work
4 events,
RAKU POTTERY WITH CHRIS BARNES
Chris will introduce you to Raku pottery making and help you to create your own pieces of Raku pottery and sculpture. Experience the excitement of raku firing with an opportunity to be really involved with the process. With lectures, demos and a trip out between days of making and firing to allow for your work
3 events,
EASTER EMBROIDERY EXTRAVAGANZA
Come and explore hand embroidery. Embroiderers of all levels are welcome, from those brand new to embroidery to the more experienced stitcher. Choose 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. Alternatively bring along your own project to
CEILIDH BAND FOLK ENSEMBLE EASTER JAM(BOREE)
For musicians of any standard with a concert pitch instrument such as violin (fiddle), viola, cello, mandolin, mandola, banjo, ukulele, guitar, flute whistle, piano accordion, melodeon, concertina etc. Parts for transposing instruments in Bb, Eb and bass clef will be available. Some basic music reading and playing skills are essential so that you are able
4 events,
EXPLORE EMBROIDERY
Come and explore hand embroidery. Embroiderers of all levels are welcome, from those brand new to embroidery to the more experienced stitcher. Choose 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. Alternatively bring along your own project to
4 events,
FULLY BOOKED: WHAT IS PAINTING – A STUDIO PRACTICE-LED EXPLORATION
Through your own studio-based painting practice, supported by group and individual tutorials, explore and develop your understanding of how you use paint as a conceptual and material substance; extend your technical responses to your chosen medium and consider your practice within the context of contemporary painting and in relation to the broader realm of contemporary
3 events,
A DAY OF MEDIEVAL MUSIC AND DANCE
A DAY OF MEDIEVAL MUSIC AND DANCE
Suitable for musicians and dancers who would like to learn Medieval music and dance. If you have secure playing and music reading skills on your instrument, you will enjoy playing dance and ceremonial tunes of the time. We will play a selection of music arranged in parts for our mixed instrument band. There will be
5 events,
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
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
COLOUR ANALYSIS
COLOUR ANALYSIS
A dip into the process of colour analysis, exploring colour theories and qualities and how colour analysis systems have developed over the years. There will be some group exercises where colours are compared to help you start your own exploration into which colour families and qualities suit you best, and how colour personalities can influence
LOST CUMBRIA ON FILM
LOST CUMBRIA ON FILM
Join us as we embark on a time travelling adventure with producers from Cumbria Film Archive. Their rare films, going back well over a century, mean you will enjoy a feast of nostalgia. For over thirty years they have been amassing a huge collection of material which will enthral anyone with an interest in local
3 events,
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