A creative centre
Journey To Making
We're happy to announce that our one year furniture making program is now running from the very well equipped and wood-lab.org
This runs over 10 weekends once a month within a ten month period. It is designed both for novices and those with some experience. Starting with green woodworking techniques we will take a journey through the development of skills necessary for fine furniture making. By starting with ancient techniques and simple tools, your body and mind will slowly acclimatise to new skills, absorbing them easily and effortlessly.
On route you will make a green cleft stool, a small table and your own individual final piece. This piece will be chosen from a few house designs, and modified by you for your specific needs. It will forever be a memento of the new abilities that you have gained. The skills you will learn through the year will encompass fine joinery, green woodwork, design, carving, turning and polishing.
Making takes time, but after the year you will be thoroughly launched onto a path, which you will be well equipped to explore at your leisure. Within the period you will be able to sign up to extra courses or open days to supplement the learning.
I will support you to build up your own tool kit, giving advice and the opportunity to experiment with the wide variety of tools and equipment on offer in the workshop.
Course dates
10 Weekends
All courses have been postponed. The date is yet to be confirmed.
Course schedule:
w/ends 1 and 2 : green woodwork
w/ends 3 and 4 : joinery project
w/ends 5-10 : personal project
Timings: 9.30 - 5.30pm
Cost: £2250
Please bring your own lunch.
Includes all materials for group project, but not for your personal piece. Tea, coffee and refreshments.
Maximum group of 5.
The Workshop
The workshop at the Brake is a fully equipped purpose built teaching space with lots of natural light. Built by Phil, Nick and Nick 11 years ago, and rebuilt last year after a fire it is a 1000sq ft building heated by waste sawdust and the burning joy of making. There is a 600sq ft handtool shop which accommodates 7 students and a 400sq ft machine shop for the preparation of material. All tools are supplied and are of high quality. There is a student kitchen, and on all longer courses there will be the opportunity for making your own pizzas in the wood fired oven. There are facilities for all aspects of woodwork including, carving, turning, green woodwork, steam bending, laminating, and all aspects of joinery. All tools are supplied, but I will encourage each participant to gradually collect their own.
We have two beautiful holiday getaways available at The Brake. Owing to the craftsmanship and creativity in building them they each have their own unique character and quality. They nestle privately within our 2/3 of an acre plot of land and offer the chance to relax in a hot tub or unwind in a sauna. Take a look at our Cabins page to learn more and to book your stay with us here at The Brake.
