Our workshops

have been formed with the aim of providing a level of tuition in the arts which respects the fundamental skills of looking, seeing and making. The courses we offer have, at their roots, skills which are traditional, and most are suitable for complete beginners.

Simon Cooley

has been teaching for 30 years and has always been a working sculptor. He works in forged metal, stone and clay. He exhibits regularly in the UK and his work is in private collections internationally. He also runs short courses for Central St Martin’s School of Art in London. Visit his sculpture site here: www.simoncooley.com

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Simon, you were the best possible teacher, extremely patient and encouraging. We all learnt a huge amount from a standing start and I certainly am greatly enthused to continue the good work. Anna, thank you so much for the delicious lunches

Multiple booking discount

Buy two places and get 5% off the second (discount will be applied to the cheaper course).

Molebutton Soups and Salads is now available to buy. This little gem contains all of Anna's workshop soup recipes and plenty of lovely full colour images. Copies are £8 each plus £1.99 P&P - please email Anna to order now.

Slideshows

Have a look at our three slideshows and become inspired!

Gift Vouchers

Did you know you can now buy gift vouchers...?

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Sculpting the Head in Clay

Day 3, intensified work

Stage 1 (3 days)

An intensive 3 day modelling course using time-honoured techniques to construct in clay a portrait from a model.

Since ancient times, people have been making portraits of each other. This impulse remains as strong today as it was for the Egyptians 3000 years ago. The head, with its fascinating combination of simple and complex forms, remains at the root of all sculptural directions. Do we not look at this form more than any other in our lives?

Sculpting the Head plus mould-making and casting (5 days)

Half the time will be spent making a clay head from a model, and the other half of the time will be used to create a mould and plaster cast. You will be able to take home your plaster cast at the end of the course, for permanent keepsake.

Stage 2 (5 days)

With more scope for experimenting with scale and composition, this 5 day course has been designed for those who have already made at least one head from life. Days one and two will be spent making 2 different heads, with the last three days focusing on another different head in more detail.

Important Note

Please be aware that the head you construct in clay will either need to be fired or cast, if you wish to keep it (for courses without casting option included).

Please see programme page for dates/prices. Book now>>