Press Release: West Dean College of Arts and Conservation welcomes a return to normal student places on their short courses after the pandemic

Posted on 9th June 2022

-After lockdown - a great opportunity to enjoy new surroundings and meet new people-

West Dean College of Arts and Conservation, in the heart of the South Downs National Park, has now increased places on its hugely popular short courses to pre-pandemic levels. Courses range from painting and textiles to woodworking and jewellery making, among others. Prices start from £140.

For those who have remained at home during social distancing, a short course at West Dean College is the perfect way not only to learn a new skill, but also to meet new friends after long periods of time spent at home. The British Red Cross’ Life After Lockdown report revealed that 41% of UK adults surveyed feel lonelier since the first lockdown began.

Comments from students include: “The other part of the course that really made it such fun was the group of people that were also on the course as we got on so well and hope to meet up again,” while another said the best part of the course was: “The inspiration of the experience of being amongst so many like-minded people, enthusiastic about making instruments utilising traditional craft skills.”

The College, which is also currently celebrating its 50th Anniversary, offers creative courses for all abilities with expert tutors from one day to week-long, with the option to stay in onsite accommodation in the historic building and landscaped gardens too.

Some of the forthcoming courses with availability include:
Coastal Landscape Painting with George Popesco - June 12-16, 2022 (Suitable for all/£502)
Painting floral pattern on calico and linen with Sarah Campbell - June 17-20 (Suitable for all/ £411)
Make simple furniture for complete beginners with Tom Kealy - June 23- 26, 2022 (£397)
Silver stacking rings Jewellery with Laila Smith - June 24-26 (Suitable for all/ £280)

West Dean College of Arts and Conservation can be found on Social Media:
https://twitter.com/westdeancollege
https://www.facebook.com/westdeancollege
https://www.instagram.com/westdeancollege/
https://www.linkedin.com/school/westdeancollege

Notes to Editors:

West Dean College of Arts and Conservation is an educational charity whose mission is to provide the highest quality education in arts and conservation. Alongside the academic provision, the College supports an annual programme of residencies designed to provide research and development opportunities to artists and writers whilst enhancing the learning environment of the College.

West Dean College of Arts and Conservation was founded in 1971 by the poet and Surrealist patron, Edward James, recognised by BBC Arts as the ‘the greatest patron of art of the early 20th century’.
The College is part of The Edward James Foundation (Charity No. 1126084), also comprising West Dean Gardens, West Dean Estate and West Dean Tapestry Studio.
All photography is free to use for editorial purposes.
West Dean College is situated on the A286, six miles north of Chichester and within easy access of Portsmouth, Guildford, Brighton and London.
The Life After Lockdown report by the British Red Cross can be found here: https://www.redcross.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/we-speak-up-for-change/life-after-lockdown-tackling-loneliness