COURSES

Practical Courses and Workshops

These intensive, short courses and workshops are taught by experts and aim to improve design techniques and creative skills.

Storytelling in Stitch

Hand Stitching onto Textiles
Tuesdays, 2 February – 9 March
Art Studio, Sackler Centre
14.00–17.00

Learn how to ‘write with a needle’ and create your own unique, hand-stitched textile pieces in this fascinating course. Be inspired by original handwritten documents from the V&A’s manuscript collection as you develop ideas for your own stitched letters.Discover how to re create the spontaneity and rhythm of handwriting with a needle through careful analysis of the letterform with artist Rosalind Wyatt. Each week you will also learn about other artists throughout history who have been inspired by calligraphy and lettering.

Suitable for beginners
£180, no concessions (includes materials)
To book call +44 (0)20 7942 2211

 

Renaissance Jewellery Making

Tokens of Love
Tuesdays, 2 February –
9 March 2010
18.30–21.00
Art Studio, Sackler Centre
Tuesday 9 February (optional)
Medieval & Renaissance Galleries
17.00–18.00

Be inspired by the splendour of the Renaissance age and let Cupid’s arrow guide you in the making of your own piece of devotional jewellery. Led by jeweller Lin Cheung, you will learn basic and intermediate jewellery techniques and choose to make a monogram, love token or devotional pendant. View the jewellery in the new galleries during a special tour on 9 February.

Suitable for beginners
£180, no concessions (includes materials)
To book call +44 (0)20 7942 2211

 

Woven Tapestry

Medieval Inspiration
Wednesday 24 – Friday
26 February
Art Studio, Sackler Centre
10.30–16.30

Learn about and explore the techniques used in the ancient tapestries in the V&A’s new Medieval & Renaissance Galleries. Start by weaving a small sample piece and then, led by textile artist Sue Lawty, design and weave your own small tapestry. Gain an in-depth understanding of the methods, techniques and materials used in this period with Frances Hartog as she describes the conservation of the medieval tapestry,The War of Troy.

Suitable for beginners
£180, no concessions (includes materials)
To book call +44 (0)20 7942 2211

 

Artists’ Books

Friday 5 – Sunday 7 March
Art Studio, Sackler Centre
10.30–16.30

Produce your own artist’s book, inspired by objects in the V&A in this three-day workshop. Discover the V&A’s International collection of modern and contemporary artists’ books and enjoy a rare opportunity to handle a selection of these unique objects. Gain a practical introduction to experimental book making with Faction (Emily Artinian, Lin Charlston and Heather Weston) whose creative output  focuses on the book form. Practical sessions will include experimenting with different book structures; conception and design, generating text work and exploring imagery and materials.

On days one and two, activities will include:

• A brief introduction to the history of the artists’ book and discussion of present trends.
• An opportunity to view and handle a selection of artists' books from the special collection with an introduction by curator Elizabeth James.
• Making simple, adaptable book structures.
• Guided activities looking at structure, materials, form, imagery and chosen content based on the wider collection.
• Sketching, writing and collage activities will help to stimulate ideas and generate material for your artists’ book.
• Making experimental models and mockups.
• Group discussions, small group tutorials and one to one support.

On Day 3:

• You will complete your artists’ book with support from Workshop leaders throughout the day.
• At the plenary session you will have the opportunity to see all the participants’ work on display and to talk about your own experiences and outcomes.

Suitable for beginners
£180, no concessions (includes materials)
To book call +44 (0)20 7942 2211

 

The Art of the Brush

Zen Calligraphy
Tuesdays, 16 March – 20 April
Art Studio, Sackler Centre
18.30–21.00

Be ‘awakened by writing’ and seize the opportunity to explore this ancient tradition with Gayle Sutherland, a student of the late Rinzai Maser Professor Terayama Tanchu. Each week you will paint phrases from the Zen tradition in Japanese grass or cursive script. The focus will be on connecting the entire body, mind and breath when painting, while looking both at line and at space. Enjoy the sense of freedom that large scale brushwork and using long paper creates, moving the whole body not just the wrist. Whilst concentrating on the practical elements, this course also includes short talks on Zen calligraphy, giving an introduction to its principles and tradition. There will be appreciation sessions of your own work and that by masters,
and the opportunity to see rarely exhibited work.

£180, no concessions (includes materials)
To book call +44 (0)20 7942 2211

 

People and Art

Drawing from Observation
Mondays, 19 April - 21 June
Art Studio, Sackler Centre
10.30-13.30

'See' and draw in a different way in this interactive drawing class run in collaboration with The Prince's Drawing School that makes full use of the V&A's setting, its vast collections, and clothed and nude models.  Much more than a traditional life drawing class, this course is about the interaction between art and life, between the objects in the Museum, the human form, and architecture.  Be prepared for surprises - and count on learning as much about 'seeing' as about drawing from observation. The class is taught by practising artist and teacher from The Prince's Drawing School, Robert Dukes.
Class size is limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Suitable for all levels
£350, no concessions (includes some materials)
To book call +44 (0)20 7942 2211