The course will be based at the studio in London near the British Museum. You will begin the course at the studio and visit the British Museum during the course to look at the obsidian mirror of John Dee, cuneiform tablets, the Cyrus cylinder and other artefacts including ancient mirrors, fetishes, amulets and objects used for divination. There will be discussion about early language systems, ritual practices including ‘scrying’, augury and the many connotations of the word ‘tablet’. With a questioning of how these practices might connect to our use of screens today?
Back in the studio, you will create your own ‘tablet of memory’ using mark-making, carving, clay, plaster and alginate casting, working back and forth between surfaces. You will explore processes of burnishing in a series of drawings; including rubbings made on your journey to the museum with graphite sticks. When your tablet is dry, you will work its surface with pigments, considering texture and reflection – and how it could function as a medium for a message.
Included
On this course the College will supply most of the materials including clay, plaster, alginate, scrim, cartridge paper, graphite stick, graphite powder, PVA, Shellac varnish, fine wire wool and wet and dry sandpaper.
Additional information
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Daily Timetable
Course teaching 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)
Morning teaching 11am-1pm
Lunch break between 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes 5.15pm
Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.
Refreshments
Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.
Access
If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.
Safety
Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.
Refunds and cancellations
Please refer to our terms & conditions below.
Disclaimer
The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.
