Stephen Stokes will be introducing people to letter-carving in wood on 4, 5 and 6 October (10.30am-4pm). He has been teaching woodturning for many years and encourages people to have fun with wood, wanting them to feel a sense of achievement through creation. During the sessions people will explore the basics of wood carving - practising first on softwood, then creating a hand-carved oak sign to take home.
Master potter, Paul Jessop, is based in the artisan workshops at Barrington Court. He makes traditional, hand thrown slipware pottery that is simple, elegant, and practical. He’ll be demonstrating his skills as a craftsman on 10, 17 and 24 October between 11am and 3pm and no booking is required.
The programme also includes the ‘Architecture and Garden’ photography workshop on 11 October (10.30am to 4pm). Led by Axminster-based Nick Matthews, who teaches photography for Somerset County Council, the workshop is suitable for anyone with beginner to intermediate photography skills. Nick will be guiding people through key techniques using the stunning views of the architecture and the garden as the subject.
He shared, ‘I am very excited to have the opportunity to offer photography courses at the National Trust’s Barrington Court. The grounds are beautiful and seasonally diverse so it will be great to photograph there in all four seasons. The architecture is very varied - it is simply a treasure and offers photography opportunities for all to experience.’
Finally, Clare Walsh is leading an Indian block printing session on 18 October (10.30am-4pm). With her passion for texture and colour she is inspired by gardens, trees, and landscapes. Using plants, leaves, and flowers she creates vibrant and unique designs. During the workshop participants will learn about this traditional craft then, using hand carved Indian Blocks, will experiment with pattern repeat, overlapping designs and colour variations on paper. In the afternoon, people can choose to print a bag, tea towel or piece of cotton fabric.
Keren Randall, Experience & Visitor Programming Manager at Barrington Court says, ‘We are so pleased to be celebrating heritage crafts through October. Over the summer, new spaces opened at Barrington Court – the History Shed and the Design Shed – that help people explore the design decisions that were made during the restoration of the estate in the 1920s. This autumn programme of workshops builds on that, as we want to invite people to take a deeper dive in thinking about design and architecture, whilst learning a new skill or craft themselves.’
There is also a busy week of activities over the half-term holiday for visitors to enjoy. With apple collecting, wildflower plug planting, a pumpkin trail, and crafts in the Farm buildings, there is something for everyone.
For more details on all the activities, how to book the workshops and costs if applicable, please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/barrington-court