COURSES, CONFERENCES & TALKS

Practical Courses

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

People & Art - Drawing with a difference
Mondays 10.30-13.30
22 September-24 November 2008
Art Studio, Sackler Centre

A new 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. Students should be prepared for surprises -  and should count on learning as much about ‘seeing’ as about drawing from observation. The class is taught by experienced tutors from The Prince's Drawing School, all of whom are practicing artists. Class size is limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Suitable for all levels

£300, no concessions (includes cost of materials)
To book call +44 (0)20 7942 2211

Don't Lose your Head: Millinery Matters
Thursdays 16 October-20 November 2008 10.30-16.30
and Friday 28 November 2008 18.30-21.00 
Design Studio, Sackler Centre

Whether you have never made a hat before or you are a more experienced milliner and want to learn new techniques, this course will help you turn your picture into a hat. Caroline Morris, one of the UK’s most talented milliners, will introduce you to the elegant world of millinery including hats, headpieces and bespoke creations. As well as showing you basic millinery skills, stitches and techniques, Caroline will reveal some tricks of the trade. Celebrate St Catherine’s Day at the end of the course soirée and wear your new creation.
Suitable for all levels, although basic sewing skills would be helpful

£350, no concessions (includes lunch, excludes cost of materials)
To book call +44 (0)20 7942 2211

The Art of the Brush: Zen Calligraphy
Wednesdays 8 October-19 November, 18.30-21.00 
and Sunday 2 November
Design Studio, Sackler Centre

This introduction to the practice of calligraphy and painting within the Zen Buddhist tradition focuses not only  on drawing a beautiful piece but also on allowing the process to be part of the search for enlightenment - expressing through the brush one’s original self.  Each week you will paint calligraphy, usually phrases from the Zen tradition in Japanese grass or cursive script using the entire body and mind and connect with the breath when writing on a large scale. While concentrating on the practical elements, each session will also include a short talk about Zen calligraphy, giving an introduction to its principles and tradition.
Suitable for all levels

£250, no concessions (includes lunch and materials)
To book call +44 (0)20 7942 2211