Make time to make this Father's Day

With Father’s Day taking place on Sunday, June 20, 2021, West Dean College of Arts and Conservation in West Sussex offers a wide range of short courses that could make a perfect gift or experience. Courses include painting and drawing; gardening; metalsmithing; pottery & ceramics; creative writing; textiles; sculpture; jewellery; woodworking and basketry. They span from one to five days, are for all abilities and range in price from £128 upwards. More details can be found at westdean.ac.uk.

As Alison Baxter, Head of School of Art, West Dean College of Arts and Conservation said: “Father’s Day is a perfect opportunity to spend time with our loved ones, this year more than ever it would be lovely to make memories and also have a treasured item or experience to have as a keepsake.”

Here is a selection of 10 courses that would make a great gift or a joint experience…

1) June 20-24 - Medieval armouring – the 15th century Italian gauntlet with Graham Ashford (Beginners/Intermediate/ £564)

2) July 1 - Make a leather journal with Kate Holland (Suitable for all/ £138)

3) July 4 - Make your own leather belt with Jeremy and Carla Bonner (Beginners/ £151)

4) July 6 – Stained glass with Carole Gray (Beginners/ £159)

5) July 7 - An introduction to painting on the iPad with Roz Hall (Beginners/ £128)

6) July 9-12 - Make simple furniture – for complete beginners with Tom Kealy (Beginners/ £397)

7) July 16-18 - Gain control of your DSLR camera with Tim Savage (Beginners/Intermediate/ £271)

8) July 19 – 22 – Woodcut printmaking – patterns from nature with Rod Nelson (Suitable for all/ £412)

9) September 3-5 - Willow plant supports and obelisks with Dominic Parrette (Beginners/Intermediate/ £321)

10) September 19-22 - Lettercutting in stone and slate with Tom Perkins (Suitable for all/ £381)

The College is a perfect place to escape and recharge either for your Father, or together, and the courses offer the opportunity to get hands on with arts and craft skills as well as boost your wellbeing in the process. Set in the heart of the South Downs National Park, in a stunning location, the College’s rural setting makes it particularly attractive as more of us take the opportunity to reconnect with and discover the restorative power of the natural environment during the summer and autumn months. While at the College, take advantage of walks in the award-winning Gardens and optional on-site accommodation.

To ensure a safe and welcoming campus, the College has put in place measures operating on a principle of the same as, or better than, national guidelines. This includes social distancing, self-opening doors, less students in workshops, and extensive cleaning and sanitising protocols to protect students and staff. For more details on Social Distancing and COVID-19 measures, please visit https://www.westdean.org.uk/coronavirus

For full details, plus information on accommodation, please visit www.westdean.ac.uk Bookings can be made online or by calling +44 (0)1243 818300.

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