Class Schedule

Furniture Restoration Saturday with Ernest Riall – Winter

On Saturdays from 9:30 to 16:30 (except during school holidays) - 31 January to 9 May

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: £295 (Deposit: £100)

Class Dates (every other Saturday except during school holidays):
January: 31
February: 28
March: 28
April: 25
May: 9

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

Introduction to leatherworking (April)

April 18-19 (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 – Dyeing – 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):
April: 18, 19

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

Price: £165 + £35 Material cost

Stained Glass – Winter 2026

Every OTHER Sunday from 9:30 to 16:30 (except during school holidays) - 01 February to 26 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 (Sundays):
February: 1, 22
March: 29
April: 12, 26

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

Price: £295 (Deposit: £100)
Students are also expected to pay a material cost of  approximately £25

Wood Carving Saturday – Winter 2026

Usually every other Saturday from 9:30 to 16:30 - 24 January to 16 May

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: 24
February: 7
March: 14
April: —
May: 2, 16

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

Price: £295 (Deposit: £100)

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

Wood Working for Young People – Winter 2026

Every Thursdays from 16:00 to 18:00 (except during school holidays) 15 January to 26 March

This starts with an overview of common furniture woods and their properties as well as the basic hand tools and how to sharpen them.  Students will be introduced to basic woodworking techniques while making a beautiful wooden tray using pine. They will learn how to make some basic woodwork joints as well as using screws to join certain parts of the project. Finally, they will try out some finishing techniques before choosing one for their project. The tray will have new horseshoes as handles. The idea is that you will afterwards be able to make another tray when you can use a different type of wood and make some changes in the design. 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 sections such as wood working (making things), pyrography (burning pictures in wood) and wood carving.  With our new tutor we hope to bring in other materials such as plastics.  In the beginning class each student 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:
January: 15, 22, 29
February: 5, 12, 26
March: 5, 12, 19, 26

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

Price: £250 (Deposit: £100)