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Expressive fibres – fine art textile feltwork

For artists and makers with an interest in textiles, wishing to explore material behaviours and the wet felting technique. This course is based at West Dean College.

  • Booking essential

On the first morning, we will take inspiration from our beautiful surroundings gathering visual information and exploring mark-making using simple rubbings and lines. Back in the studio, you will develop your sketches further using colour, collage and mixed media to create a unique series of drawings.

Through discerning observation, you will identify sections of your drawings you wish to translate into felt work, considering how best to interpret and execute composition, form, texture, tone, and colour.

You will first work on small experimental pieces to familiarise yourself with the process, technique, and materials, gaining deeper understanding of their properties and behaviours.

Working from your library of marks and samples, you will then work on a larger piece, gradually building your composition as you apply fibres, threads and inserts in fine layers. You will manipulate materials and textiles to develop expressive textures and tonal moods.

You will work individually but will be supported throughout by tutor demonstrations and handouts, one-to-one tutorial advice, as well as informal group discussion.

The course will include a visit to the nearby Petworth House special exhibition on Turner and Landscape on Monday morning to collect inspiration to inform your work back in the studio.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

Ticket typeTicket category
All £570.00

The basics

Booking details

Call 01243 818300

Suitability

Not suitable for children

Meeting point

West Dean College

What to bring and wear

Please see Course Materials section on the West Dean course information page.

Other

This course runs over several days. Please see the Timetable section on the West Dean course information page for more information about the daily timings. In the event of an extreme weather forecast, such as high winds, there may be changes to the course content as necessary. The College will provide transport for the visit to Petworth House.

Upcoming events

Event

Ship Ahoy! Family Trail 

Step into the world of J.M.W. Turner and set sail on an artistic adventure through Petworth House and Garden!

Event summary

on
19 Jul to 7 Sep 2025
at
10:00 to 17:00
+ 50 other dates or times
Event

Turner's Vision at Petworth 

For the first time in 20 years, a specially curated selection of JMW Turner’s artistic studies of Petworth will be exhibited in the very place that inspired him. These rarely seen works give a fascinating insight into Turner’s methods.

Event summary

on
19 Jul to 16 Nov 2025
at
10:30 to 16:30
+ 120 other dates or times
Event

Changing Landscape Exhibition 

This exhibition tells the 900-year story of the landscape at Petworth, the people who lived and worked in it, and explores what landscape means to people now and in the past.

Event summary

on
19 Jul to 17 Aug 2025
at
10:30 to 16:30
+ 29 other dates or times
Event

Changing Landscape Guided Walk 

Join us on a guided walk around Petworth Park to discover the story of this incredible landscape.

Event summary

on
23 Jul to 16 Aug 2025
at
11:00 to 12:45
+ 1 other date or time