leaves at West Dean

Like last week, I’m starting with some overlooked plates I made for my Eisteddfod entry. All these were inspired by leaves, and I must tip my hat to the fantastic Jane Ponsford, who makes leaves and other things in paper. She’s teaching a class at West Dean college, and by co-incidence I heard today that I’ll also be there in June (20-22nd) for a new Design and Craft Fair, organised by the wonderful Jon and Anne-Marie Tutton and Young. Hurrah!

West Dean has many fabulous courses. I once spent a week Woodworking there and still have my ash cabinet. The food was fab-u-lous and you could see Edward James’ art collection in situ… Lots of Magritte. The tapestry studio is particularly interesting – they have a really modern approach, and have made works for Tracey Emin.

The Weald and Downland Museum is also nearby – I can’t believe I’ve never been there yet. They filmed Tudor Monastery Farm there, and they also run courses, like flint stone walling. I once built a flint-stone wall behind Beachy Head – repairing an original made by Napoleonic prisoners of war. It was a great conservation volunteering holiday (you can still do them with the National Trust,) and actually a very cheap, practical way to learn-by-doing!