Art weaving landscapes – open weave techniques with Jackie Bennett

Constructed and woven textiles

Ref: SWE31571

Location: West Dean
£315
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About this course

Learn a light and airy version of tapestry weaving that is freer and quicker to weave, inspired by the work of pioneering weavers, Tadek Beutlick and Leonre Tawney. Your weaving may take inspiration from any source, from the beautiful landscapes of West Dean to your own imagination.

Course Description

Explore a light and airy version of tapestry weaving that can be used to create wall pieces and three-dimensional hangings. This technique was pioneered by textile artists from the 1960s and 70s, including Tadek Beutlich and Lenore Tawney. Your weaving may take inspiration from beautiful landscapes and West Dean Gardens, or from other design sources, even purely from your imagination.

Learn to combine a range of natural fibres and fancy yarns to achieve colour and textural effects. Warp and weave on a simple tapestry weaving frame. Gain confidence in weaving with a looser structure and combining yarns to achieve the effects of light and shadow that make this technique truly stunning.

In our initial session, examples from weavers who have used the technique will be shown to inspire you. The tutor will have examples of her own work and handling samples to show the possibilities.

The techniques covered in this course are: warping up, plain weave, knotting, soumak weave, wrapping and finishing. We will include some simple design work on paper for those who wish to plan their design. You will work at your own pace, with individual help to achieve and weave your design. Those that are confident to warp-up their frame loom independently will be able to select from a range of warp and weft yarns and start weaving. Those that are new to weaving or need a revision of the basics will be given step-by-step instruction by the tutor. You may weave independently in the studio on the Saturday evening if you wish.

By the end of the course, you will have warped up and learned the open weaving technique to weave a simple or more complex landscape design that might include a tree or trees. We will look at finishing, mounting and hanging options. You may achieve a finished piece within the course that can be cut off the loom and mounted, ready to hang, or you may opt to take your weaving home on the frame.

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

Course Materials

Included

  • On this course, the tutor will supply most materials, including:
  • Warp and weft yarns, and some unspun fibres
  • Stick shuttles and tapestry needles for use during the course

What students need to bring

  • List items to bring:
  • Frame looms approximately 45cm x 55cm external dimensions, if you have one (Alternatively, weaving frames 55cm x 70cm are available to borrow or purchase at the College.)
  • Drawing materials – any pens, pencils, paper
  • Small scissors
  • Tapestry needles, if you have any (The tutor will bring some you can borrow.)
  • Bobbins and stick shuttles, if you have any
  • Images of landscapes and trees that inspire you (photos, drawings, etc.)

Available to buy

  • Available from shop:
  • Drawing paper, pens, pencils, mountboard
  • Available from tutor:
  • Shuttles, tapestry needles
  • Some smaller frames

Additional information

Wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals (safety boots, if specified).

Tutors

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

Courses of interest

Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.