Bedales launches Traditional Heritage Craft Week
Bedales is delighted to announce the launch of Traditional Heritage Craft Week (8-12 July 2024), when the school will open its doors to the wider community and host three hands-on courses for adults in blacksmithing, basket weaving and oak timber framing.
In the beautiful surroundings of the Bedales Outdoor Work barnyard, participants will immerse themselves in a week of their chosen heritage craft, with tuition from expert tutors.
The courses on offer are:
- Blacksmithing and Glass Garden Sculpture (£550) – led by Lucille Scott from Little Duck Forge, this course will introduce students to forge work and fused glass techniques, in order to create their own garden sculpture from steel and glass, which they will take home on completion.
- Willow Weaving and Basketry (£425) – led by Louise Arthur from Rough around the Hedges, students will create at least two beautiful, traditional frame baskets: one large oval harvest basket with a twisted handle and one shallow, round fruit bowl with side handles. They will learn how to use a variety of hand tools safely and understand the sustainable credentials and environmental benefits of UK grown willow.
- Oak Timber Framing (£400) – led by Old Bedalian carpenter and timber framer Gabriel Langlands, this course offers an introduction to traditional, medieval-inspired timber framing. It will cover timber conversion, timber selection, conversion marks, ancient timber frames and more. Students will work together to build a modest timber frame building and each participant will make their own mortise and tenon joint to take home.
For over 130 years, Bedales has educated, hosted and commissioned some of the most influential craftspeople in the country, including Edward Barnsley, Geoffrey Lupton, Ernest Gimson, David Linley and members of the Wedgwood pottery family. Traditional Heritage Craft Week is a rare opportunity for members of the wider community to learn traditional skills in an inspirational setting while supporting the preservation of these cherished crafts.
Andrew Martin, Head of Outdoor Work, commented: "Over the last 10 years I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with some true craftspeople who have taught a variety of courses to students and staff, ranging from hedge laying to timber framing, spinning to thatching. We are delighted to be hosting Bedales' inaugural Traditional Heritage Craft Week this summer and sharing the skills of these important crafts with more people."
Each course will run for five days, with materials and catering included in the price. Places are limited, so early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.