The one-year Tapestry Weaving programme was established in 1974 in response to the demand for a high level craft-based programme in woven tapestry. Tutors are active professionals, with extensive experience of the world of tapestry weaving. The relatively low number of students (eight places) means that students experience a high level of personal tuition.

A strong link has developed between the programmes and the professional commission-based West Dean Tapestry Studio, with the Tutor acting as Director of Tapestry. This link offers students the opportunity to observe client-led projects at close hand and to have a dialogue with the professional weavers.

The programmes

    
 

The programmes are delivered in the purpose-built tapestry workshop where students have their own workspace. Students are provided with the facilities and support to develop advanced level skills and effective practice, in order to produce successful works of art. They are given guidance, supervision and information in a variety of ways, including demonstrations, informal workshop critiques, personal tutorials and group seminars. Historical and contemporary works are examined through a series of lectures, seminars and visits to galleries and museums.

    
   
 

Programme Content

Postgraduate Diploma

  • Research and study skills
  • Visual research
  • Exploration and creation of ideas
  • Historical and contextual studies
  • Developing creative practice
  • Presentation techniques
  • Business studies
  • Making and implementing designs
  • The catalogue and exhibition

Professional Development Diploma

  • Project development
  • Research project proposal
  • Visual research and idea generation
  • Making and implementation
  • Research report
  • Project consolidation
  • The catalogue and exhibition

There are two categories of student on the Tapestry Weaving Diploma: a Postgraduate Student and a College Associate. The former usually stays for one academic year and submits to Assessment validated by the University of Sussex. The latter stays for one academic year but opts out of Assessment.

The College Associate may opt to take a unit of six weeks:

The unit commencing in September primarily covers all the skills necessary to weave tapestries at an advanced level. This unit lays the foundation stones of tapestry weaving, whilst alerting students to the refinement of practice.

The unit commencing in January encourages the student to explore and consolidate their ideas in tapestry weaving.

Lecturers
Hero Grainger-Taylor - Coptic specialist - Lecturer on Coptic tapestries at the Victoria and Albert Museum
Yumi Kobashi-Lindsay, professional weaver
Gerard Williams, sculptor
Shelly Goldsmith, tapestry artist and Head of Textile Art, Winchester College of Art
Thom Winterburn, Henry Peacock Gallery, London.
Pat Taylor, Programme tutor

Programme Advisor
Jane Brunning, professional weaver, advisor to West Sussex Education Authority

For further information, please contact:

The Academic Office
West Dean College
West Dean
CHICHESTER
West Sussex
PO18 0QZ
UK

T +44 (0) 1243 818219 or 811301
F +44 (0) 1243 818291 or 811343
E diplomas@westdean.org.uk
www.westdean.org.uk