A quick guide to settling into life at West Dean, from packing essentials to move-in day tips and what to expect in your first week.

Students work on archaeological ceramics from the Novium Museum, using expert conservation techniques to preserve and protect these ancient artifacts, revealing insights into the past.

Explore the challenges and solutions behind conserving a 1565 German Kreuterbuch. Discover how book conservators managed delicate inclusions, from plant fragments to dirt, while preserving its rich history and 16th-century binding.

Certificate in Historical Fiction Writing tutor Adrienne Chinn shares an insight into her writing process, inspiration and getting started with historical fiction writing.

Top tips on how to beat writer’s block and get the words flowing again, by Creative Writing tutor Laura Wilkinson.

Horology student, Takumi Hamano restores a rare Japanese clock while sharing his journey from Japan to West Dean College, the history of traditional timekeeping and the process of conserving this unique timepiece. 

Ahead of his woodturning courses in our new autumn/winter programme we sat down with tutor Richard Findley to discuss the value of making, the addiction nature of woodturning and why in-person tuition still trumps all.

Ahead of her upcoming short courses in lampshade making we sat down with Moji Salehi to discuss inspiration, creativity and why it is so essential for humans to engage with it.

We’ve listened to your feedback about wanting greater value, flexibility and choice when eating at West Dean, so we are introducing some important changes to our catering services for our short course students from 1 October 2025.