West Dean Tapestry Studio is working on a tapestry conceived and commissioned by the Charterhouse; the almshouse and heritage site in London with a strong emphasis on learning. Uniquely but fittingly, the Charterhouse has involved a team of children to create the design, working with the internationally acclaimed UK tapestry studio's expert weavers. The project has been funded by Neil and Emma Redcliffe.
West Dean College of Arts and Conservation announces Mary Hampton as the first ever Composer-in-Residence at the College. Throughout the year, Hampton will be curating Salon Imaginaire, a series of seven concerts at the College.
Elizabeth Neville MA ACR has been appointed the new Head of School of Conservation at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation. Elizabeth has over thirty years' experience as a book conservator, interspersed with teaching conservation to Graduate and Masters students.
West Dean College of Arts and Conservation announces a series of new short courses for Autumn/Winter 2018/2019 for anyone with a desire to unlock their creative potential. There are 400 inspiring courses to choose from, from popular crafts such as pottery, furniture-making and painting, to jewellery, gardening and photography courses that capture the autumn season with prize-winning tutors.
Throughout the weekend, there will be tours of West Dean's iconic walled gardens, taking place at 1pm and 3pm daily. In addition to this, there will be gardening talks and presentations from a panel of experts, where you can pick up advice on how to grow your own chillies and learn about the varied origins of chilli plants.
The Cookery Theatre will be hosted by Giles Thomson former Executive Head Chef of the Ritz Hotel, and Owner and Executive Chef of The Earl of March, with guest chef appearances throughout the weekend. Guests include Jack Stein, son of Rick Stein, and Executive Chef of Stein Restaurants. Jack recently opened his own cookery school, 'Cook with Jack Stein', allowing students to cook alongside him and engage with some of his latest recipes.
There will be over 30 dance and music acts performing at the Chilli Fiesta. World Champion dancers, and stars of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, Neil and Katya Jones will make their Chilli Fiesta debut. Katya was the winning professional in this year's Strictly Come Dancing! Immersive entertainment from local vintage queen, Dawn Gracie, will transport you back to the 50s and 60s. Whilst festival favourites, The Fontanas, bring their trademark funky Brazilian and afro Latin vibes to the festival.
The West Dean Summer Show 2018 'Angel Cake' showcases original work by emerging artists studying for their Graduate Diploma or Postgraduate MFA qualifications. The free exhibitions, held at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation and then in London, display a diverse range of practices including sculpture, installation, print, painting, film, ceramics, and textiles.
West Dean College of Arts and Conservation announces Tamara Henderson as Artist-in-Residence in collaboration with Cass Sculpture Foundation. The project will support a new series of ceramic work by artist Tamara Henderson. Beginning with hypnosis, Henderson will uncover unconscious images that will inform the making of the work, a process aligned to artistic methodologies that are part of the legacy of West Dean.
The UK's biggest chilli festival returns for its 23rd year. Enjoy the creative vibe of award-winning Chilli Fiesta; dance to live Latin music, watch expert cookery and gardening demonstrations and taste delicious chilli foods 'til your tongue sizzles. Make the most of the family-friendly festival atmosphere and camp on-site with quality camping facilities in the grounds of West Dean Estate, in the heart of the South Downs National Park. The Estate is home to West Dean College of Arts and Conservation and the glorious West Dean Gardens.
