Press Release: Expert talks and demonstrations, Creative Hub at the Design and Craft Fair

Visitors to the Design and Craft Fair at West Dean College in June will be able to enjoy FREE talks and demonstrations in the Creative Hub from professional artists and designers who are Short Course tutors. Tutors on the college's diploma and degree programmes will also give presentations on significant projects over the three-day event. For gardening enthusiasts, Sarah Wain, West Dean Gardens Supervisor, will reveal some of the secrets of managing one of the foremost walled kitchen gardens in the country. Tickets to the popular Design and Craft Fair featuring MADE are now available online at www.westdean.org.uk/events. The Early Bird £8 adult ticket saves 20% on the standard price.

Discover how the West Dean Tapestry Studio weavers work with artists to translate their images into tapestry from a talk with Philip Sanderson, Master Weaver and Associate Tutor on the college's Visual Arts programme. Studio projects include; Black Cat and Rose Virgin with artist Tracey Emin; Play with British Designer Faye Toogood; Work No. 1683 with artist Martin Creed. Sanderson was shortlisted for the Cordis Prize for Tapestry for No. 13 Thrust Block Shoe and The John Ruskin Prize for Nowhere. Sky Blue Pink: artists and weavers at West Dean Tapestry Studio by Philip Sanderson (Friday 3 June 2pm).

Printmaker and author, Rod Nelson, read architecture at King's College and has been involved in design and woodcut printmaking for many years. Rod will be talking about Pine Feroda, the collective name used by five artists working together in the South West of England to make large scale, dramatic woodblock prints, including five prints inspired by the extraordinary coast of North Devon. How did this collaboration begin and how can five individuals let go of their egos to jointly create work under one name? Pine Feroda - a printmaking collaboration by Rod Nelson (Saturday 4 June 12pm).

Dr David Stent, diploma and degree Visual Arts tutor, will give a talk focussing on the story of Edward James' own publishing imprint, The James Press, founded in 1930. The press published the first collection of poetry by John Betjeman, as well as the rich and varied literary output of James himself; poetry and prose that reflected his passion for Renaissance, Romantic and Surrealist writing, his interest in book design, typography and printing techniques. The James Press - a passion for poetry (Saturday 4 June 3pm).

Other talks include The Amazing Corpus Christi Clock by short course tutor, Joan Mackarell; Japan: a textile journey with textile artist and Shibori expert, Janice Gunner and A walled cornucopia by Sarah Wain, West Dean Gardens Supervisor, and more.

Around 100 innovative and contemporary makers and designers have been carefully selected to show and sell their work in 'The Marketplace'. NEW for this year will be a printmaking area showcasing unique original prints.

DESIGN AND CRAFT WORKSHOPS

Daily: 11.00 - 12.30, 13.30 - 15.00, 15.30 - 17.00

Visitors will also have the opportunity to take part in hands-on creative workshops throughout the weekend including basketmaking, jewellery making, pottery and more. These one and a half hour sessions, at just a small additional cost on top of the price of entry, offer the opportunity to discover what the college has to offer year-round.

CHILDREN'S WORKSHOPS

Daily: 11.00 - 12.00, 13.00 - 14.00, 15.00 - 16.00

Moving lobster puppet workshop
Handbuild a clay totem
Design a stained glass window

Visitors will be able to enjoy a day at the Design and Craft Fair with plenty of delicious food and drink options, and enjoy live music.

Prices

Early Bird booking £8 adult saving 20% on the standard price of £10 adult (until 26 May). Entry ticket includes free entry to the award-winning West Dean Gardens. Workshops for adults from £12.50. Children's workshops £6. Children under 16 FREE entry to the event. Advance booking online is recommended. An entry ticket to the event is also required for workshops and all tickets can be purchased in advance at www.westdean.org.uk/events.

About MADE

MADE comprises the established, high quality craft and design fairs which run annually in London and Brighton. The organisers of MADE will be curating The Marketplace at the Design and Craft Fair at West Dean College. www.madelondon.org.

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Notes to editors

  • West Dean College is part of The Edward James Foundation also comprising West Dean Gardens, West Dean Estate and the West Dean Tapestry Studio. Charity No. 1126084.
  • To watch a video on Pine Feroda - a printmaking collaboration visit vimeo.com/149631666.
  • B & B accommodation at the college includes a double/twin from £85 per room per night subject to availability.
  • All photographs are free to use for editorial purposes.
  • West Dean College and Gardens are situated on the A286, six miles north of Chichester and within easy access of Portsmouth, Guildford, Brighton and London.

Media Contact Information

For further information, high-resolution digital images of filming opportunities, please contact

Irene Caswell, Senior Media Relations Officer, +44 (0)1243 818301

Email

West Dean College, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 OQZ www.westdean.org.uk

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