Take a tour of the Tapestry Studio
Fine Art
The West Dean Foundation Diploma in Tapestry Weaving is awarded in recognition of the successful completion of the two-year, part-time programme of six, three-day units, self-directed study and making, and a final 1500 word essay. It aims to offer tapestry weavers a broad insight into the technical and creative techniques of tapestry weaving, necessary for developing skills and building your own creative language.
It is aimed at weavers who have completed a beginners’ course at West Dean College or elsewhere, who are looking to commit to an extended and intensive programme of study.
It is aimed at weavers who have completed a beginners’ course at West Dean or elsewhere, who are looking to commit to an extended and intensive programme of study.
Each unit will be based in the unique environment of West Dean Tapestry Studio, one of the UK’s only professional tapestry studios specialising in contemporary design and weaving using traditional techniques. The Studio has worked with a wide range of contemporary artists and designers, such as Henry Moore, Tracey Emin and Eva Rothschild, as well as re-creating an important series of medieval tapestries.
Take a tour of the Tapestry Studio
Take a tour of the Tapestry Studio
Explore and expand your work in a uniquely immersive environment with its own connections to art history. Our School of Arts students enjoy specialist studio spaces dedicated to painting and drawing, sculpture and tapestry and textile-based work as well as exceptional exhibition space.
The following qualifications will be considered for entry to the Foundation Diploma in Tapestry Weaving:
The course fees are payable in advance for each year of study.
Year 1: Course fee: £1,596 (non-residential, covering all three units – payable by 23 September 2025). This includes the interim tutorial between each unit and yarns used for set projects during each course.
Year 2: Course fee: £1,596 (non-residential, covering all three units – payable by 2 June 2026). This includes the interim tutorial between each unit and yarns used for set projects during each course.
Accommodation for a three-day course, including dinner and breakfast, is currently available from £357 (standard room/single occupancy). Please see accommodation costs on our website – specific to the timing of each unit.
We may routinely increase our course fees from year to year for one-year courses as well as courses lasting two or more years and may review and change such course fees without notice.
Students must complete and return the Application Form and the Questionnaire by 14 July 2025.
An informal telephone interview with the Programme Tutor will follow in July before places are confirmed before the first fee instalment is due. Following confirmation of your place, the Bookings Team will contact you to arrange for payment of the course fees for the first year of study.
For standard Terms and Conditions please refer to our online Short Course brochure, specific Terms and Conditions in respect of this course will be sent to successful applicants, this includes a commitment to attend all course dates offered, as it is not possible to offer alternative dates.
Any questions?
Email [email protected]; call us on: (01243) 818 300 and select option 1, or read more about our Admissions processes.
Missed the UCAS deadline? There’s still time to apply through Clearing. If you’re creative, curious, and ready to explore your options, we’d love to chat.
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Subject Tutor - Tapestry, Fine Art
Studio Leader - West Dean Tapestry Studio
Philip Sanderson is Leader of the Professional Tapestry Studio and a Subject Tutor on the MFA in Fine Art. He is also the Tutor for the Tapestry Foundation Diploma and a short course tutor. During his time at West Dean Philip has translated the work of a number of artists into large-scale tapestries including Marta Rogoyska, John Hubbard, Tracy Emin, and Eva Rothschild.