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Class Schedule

We currently offer weekend classes for  Wood Carving, Stained Glass and Jewellery Making,  weekday classes in Restoration and Upholstry and evening classes in Wood Carving (Tuesdays and Thursdays) and Wood Working (Mondays and Wednesdays).

All of those classes cost £275, with a £100 deposit and the remaining of the tuition due on the first day of class. Payments can be made in cash, cheques or debit cards.  Tools are supplied for all courses, materials will be charged separately for Upholstery, Wood Working, Jewellery Making and Furniture Restoration.  We also host clubs in Wood Carving and Chair Seat Caning/Rushing.

We are planning on classes in French Upholstery, Traditional Finishes, Colouring Techniques, Using Machines in Wood Carving, and Seat Caning and Rushing. Please write and we will keep you informed of the future classes. Also, watch this space!!!!



Furniture Restoration Friday with Ernest Riall – Winter 2024

Every Friday from 9:30 to 12:30 (except during school holidays) - 19 January to 29 March

In this course, Ernest will help students of all levels from complete novices to experienced restorers. All types of projects are possible (We do suggest you send a picture of the object if this is your first class with the school). All materials can be provided by the school (although a charge may apply). Ernest will carefully walk the student through every step of  the entire process of restoring their selected project.  Imagine the great feeling one gets from developing the hand skills needed to turn a warn piece of furniture into a thing of beauty.

With over 15 years experience running a very successful restoration business, Ernest is active with ICON (International Conservation) and he has a PhD centered around 18th Century  English and French Furniture.  This means that Ernest has proven himself to meet their very high standards in the restoration of antiques.

Price: £275 (Deposit: £100)

Class Dates (every Friday except during school holidays):
January: 19, 26
February: 2, 9, 23
March: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 and end at 12:30

Book Now - From £100.00



Furniture Restoration Saturday with Ernest Riall – Winter 2024

Every Saturday from 9:30 to 4:30 (except during school holidays) - 20 January to 6 April

In this course, Ernest will help students of all levels from complete novices to experienced restorers. All types of projects are possible (We do suggest you send a picture of the object if this is your first class with the school). All materials can be provided by the school (although a charge may apply). Ernest will carefully walk the student through every step of  the entire process of restoring their selected project.  Imagine the great feeling one gets from developing the hand skills needed to turn a warn piece of furniture into a thing of beauty.

With over 15 years experience running a very successful restoration business, Ernest is active with ICON (International Conservation) and he has a PhD centered around 18th Century  English and French Furniture.  This means that Ernest has proven himself to meet their very high standards in the restoration of antiques.

Price: £275 (Deposit: £100)

Class Dates (on Saturdays except during school holidays):
January: 20
February: 3
March: 2, 16
April: 6

Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 and end at 16:30

Book Now - From £100.00



Leather working (2) – Winter 2024

May 25-26 (Saturday & Sunday) from 9:30 to 16:30

Leather is one of the most amazing materials to work with.

Our Two-day introduction workshop is aimed at beginners interested in gaining a good basic understanding of the leather working skills & techniques used in making a variety of small leather goods.

Over the two days, you’ll be making 2 or 3 items, such a card holder, key-rings and a belt or a coin purse, (specific items can be chosen on the day.) These will show you the different skills and techniques required for leather working.

During the course,  you will cover the following:

  • Different types of leathers and its uses
  • Tanneries and suppliers
  • Understanding the process of making leather goods
  • Intro to pattern making.
  • Cutting – Dying – Stitching and finishing the leather
  • Beveling – Creasing – Burnishing and other skills
  • Leather after care
  • General Q/A

You will be shown traditional methods and techniques which you will then use to make your own items and take them home. The skills and techniques learnt will help jump start your leather working journey, in addition to all tools and materials to use during the workshop along with course notes and information including recommended reading and a list of suppliers, with an opportunity to purchase a full beginners kit to take home with you (contain everything what need to get started, fixed cost of £100).

 

Class Dates (Saturday, Sunday):
May: 25, 26

Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 and end at 16:30

Price: £165 + £35 Material cost

Book Now - From £200.00



Practical Leather Conservation Course for Historic Leather 28th – 31st May 2024

Every day from 9:30 Tuesday 28th of May to 4:30 Friday 31st of May.

Practical Leather Conservation Course for Historic Leather.

Tutor: Theo Sturge ACR

Overview

This course is intended for experienced conservators/restorers and students of conservation. A considerable knowledge of conservation is assumed. It is not intended for those without prior experience.

An introductory course to some of the techniques more commonly used in leather conservation. The course will include theory and practical experimentation. The course will aim to provide participants with a range of techniques for use on a wide variety of leather artefacts.  In this course, the student will gain PRACTICAL skills in the conservation of historic leather.  In addition to learning the different types of ‘leather’ the student will learn about how to restore the colour to leather, to make small repairs, how to gild leather and many other practical skills.  The details of the four day course are provided next.

Topics to be covered include:

  • Methods of repair, including the choice of repair materials and adhesives, with hints and tips on getting the best results. Repair materials including leather and woven and non-woven fabrics will be considered.
  • Gap filling with Beva 371, leather, Japanese tissue paper etc.
  • Surface finishes and dressings.
  • Cleaning.
  • Humidification to allow reshaping.
  • Dying leather and toning in areas of damage to match the surrounding colour.
  • Leather working techniques. To include skiving with an English knife, basic saddle stitching with two needles, and skived joints.

Make a piece of gilt leather.

The following is an outline of the programme.

Day one. Tuesday Morning

  • Introductions.
  • Case study.
  • What goes wrong with leather.
  • Leather as a material. Some basic properties which can affect its use in conservation.
  • What is gilt leather?

Afternoon

Introduction to practical exercises. The leather working skills – sewing and skiving – are not programmed for a specific time but can be fitted in when you have a little spare time.

Practical session:

  • Start making your gilt leather by applying silver leaf.
  • Make Beva 371 filler.
  • Prepare Beva 371 on Reemay.
  • Prepare Lascaux dispersions on Reemay for solvent reactivation tomorrow.
  • Look at the identification of leather samples.

Day two. Wednesday Morning

  • Case studies
  • Adhesives used for leather.

Afternoon.

  • Mould your gilt leather or decorate with punches.
  • Try different adhesives and repair materials. Adhesives include: Lascaux acrylic dispersions, Evacon-R, Beva Film, solid Beva 371 and starch paste. Also, solvent reactivation. Repair materials include: Leather, Reemay, Japanese paper and silk.

Day three. Thursday Morning

  • Case studies
  • Repair materials. Colouring leather. Gap filling.

Afternoon

  • Finish adhesive trials from yesterday.
  • Dying / colouring leather.
  • Varnish your gilt leather.
  • Gap filling with solid Beva 371 – including Russia leather and a hole in crocodile.

Day 4. Friday Morning

  • Case studies.
  • Cleaning.
  • Humidification and reshaping.
  • Consolidation.
  • Treatment of red rot.
  • Finishing leather – dressings, in-painting etc.

Afternoon.

  • Repair a hole in a piece of damaged, coloured leather and reinstate the lost colour using two different methods. Insert an inlay if wished and time available.
  • Repair a split in some sheepskin as might be found on a flying jacket.
  • Optional: Strip line your gilt leather for mounting on a frame.
  • Optional: Paint your gilt leather if time allows.

Note: a sandwich lunch is provided to all students.

Tutor: Theo Sturge ACR FIIC. Theo is the UKs most experienced practising leather conservator. In 2000 he established the Sturge Conservation Studio which specialises in historic leather. He teaches internationally. theosturge@leatherconservation.co.uk. 0044 (0) 1604 717929. www.leatherconservation.co.uk

Dates:

From Tues 28th –  Friday 31st May 2024, from 9:30 – 16:30

 

Price (note all prices are in pounds)

  • Full price – £520.00 per person
  • Icon Member – £485.00 per person
  • Deposit – £200.00 per person

We will accept a deposit to hold the spot. The full fee must be paid at the start of the class.

Please fill in the form and click ‘Proceed’ to book your place on the course.

Book Now - From £520.00



Stained Glass Sunday – Winter 2024

Every OTHER Sunday from 9:30 to 16:30 (except during school holidays) - 25 Feb to 14 April

The idea of making pictures with coloured glass, balanced with shapes and rhythm has fascinated generations. This course will introduce students to this amazing craft. Students learn the handling of tools and materials. Developing confidence from straight lines to curves on coloured glass. Projects will introduce the students to the basic techniques such as to score (cut) glass safely, copperfoil and traditional leadwork. This is a hands on practical course, with aspects of design and soldering. As with the Applique technique the students will be able to develop their own design once they have mastered the basics. No previous experience in either art or stained glass is needed for this introduction – just a sense of play and adventure!

Advanced students are also welcome. Lilly will guide and facilitate the creative direction that they want to pursue.

Class Dates (every OTHER Sunday except during school holidays):

February: 25

March: 10, 24

April 7, 14

 

Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 and end at 16:30

Price: £275 (Deposit: £100)
Students are also expected to pay a material cost of  approximately £25

Book Now - From £100.00



Wood Carving Saturday – Winter 2024

Every OTHER Saturday from 9:30 to 16:30 (except during school holidays) - 27 January to 13 April

Beginner students will learn the craft of Wood Carving using traditional tools through a couple of challenging exercises, talks and demonstrations. Those new to Wood Carving will learn all the basics and will develop the basic skills to successfully carve objects in wood. They will develop an understanding of wood, how to use the basic tools, then how to conceptualise a final Wood Carving goal and how to reach that goal. More advanced students will continue to improve their skills by carving more advanced pieces with careful guidance from the tutor.

 

Class Dates (every OTHER Saturday except during school holidays):
January: 27
February: 24
March: 8, 30
April: 13

 

Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 and end at 16:30

Price: £275 (Deposit: £100)

Please note:  no refunds will be given if canceled 2 weeks or less before the class are scheduled to start.

Book Now - From £100.00



Wood Carving Thursday Evening – Winter 2024

Every Thursday from 18:00 to 21:00 (except during school holidays) - 18 January to 28 March

Beginner students will learn the craft of Wood Carving using traditional tools through a couple of challenging exercises, talks and demonstrations. Those new to Wood Carving will learn all the basics and will develop the basic skills to successfully carve objects in wood. They will develop an understanding of wood, how to use the basic tools, then how to conceptualise a final Wood Carving goal and how to reach that goal. More advanced students will continue to improve their skills by carving more advanced pieces.

Please note:  no refunds will be given if canceled 2 weeks or less before the class are scheduled to start.

Class Dates (every Thursday):
January: 18, 25
February: 1, 8, 22, 29
March: 7, 14, 21, 28

 

 

Class Times: All classes start at 18:00 and end at 21:00

Price: £275 (Deposit: £100)

Book Now - From £275.00



Wood Working for Young People – Winter 2024

Every Thursday from 16:00 to 18:00 (except during school holidays) - 18 January to 28 March

We offer several different craft learning experiences for those aged 10 and above. While we focus on teaching traditional hand skills, we do so in a way to be enjoyable to the young students.

We have a series of wood crafting classes such as wood working (making things), pyrography (burning pictures in wood) and wood carving.   Most importantly, we try to work with each individual student so all of them toi express themselves while learning a new skill.

Each child is allowed to work at their own pace to maximize their learning.  This means that each student gets very individual guidance.  As everyone knows creativity and the process of making things is very important to a child’s development.  That is why we think our classes are so important. In the past the wood working class has made boxes, decorated with pyrography, a chess set and board.

 

Class Dates (every Thursday):
January: 18, 25
February: 1, 8, 22, 29
March: 7, 14, 21, 28

 

Class Times: All classes start at 16:00 and end at 18:00

Price: £200 (Deposit: £100)

Book Now - From £100.00



Wood Working Tuesday with Roberto Pierro – Winter 2024

Every Tuesday from 18:00 to 21:00 (except during school holidays) - 20 February to 23 April

This course starts with an overview of common furniture woods and their qualities as well as the basic hand tools and how to sharpen them. Students will then be introduced to basic Wood Working techniques while each makes a beautiful wooden box with a few options to suite all skill levels. Some of the skills students will be introduced to include: using a plane, using chisels to produce dovetail joints, turning, using a cabinet scraper among others. Finally students will try out different finishing techniques before choosing one to apply to their box.

Note the price does not include a £25 materials cost which is payable to the instructor on the first day of classes.

Please note:  no refunds will be given if canceled 2 weeks or less before the class are scheduled to start, unless we are able to fill the slot with another student.

 

Class Dates (every Tuesday):
February: 20, 27
March: 5, 12, 19, 26
April: 2, 9, 16, 23

Class Times: All classes start at 18:00 and end at 21:00

Price: £275 (Deposit: £100)

Book Now - From £275.00