BBC The Repair Shop’s ceramics expert and West Dean Alumna Kirsten Ramsay officially opened the new West Dean College: London campus on Wednesday 24 April, alongside a range of expert makers demonstrating their craft skills - from weavers and leather makers, to Passementerie artists and painters. 

We are delighted to be offering a unique opportunity for a creative practitioner (artist, writer, designer) to undertake a 6-week residency that explores the college’s ambitious approach to the future of West Dean’s 6500-acre rural estate.

We spoke to Brenda Keneghan, a conservation consultant in modern materials and West Dean’s Identification of Plastic Materials course tutor about the historical development of plastics, the future of plastic artefacts in museums, and the challenges and considerations facing plastic preservation.

We spoke to David Morris AMA, the Principal Conservator at the Fleet Air Arm Museum and West Dean Conservation of Transport and Industrial Collections course tutor about the importance of preserving industrial heritage, the future of the area and some of his most memorable projects.

The conservation of historic concrete buildings is a topic so rarely spoken about, but last month it was thrown into the limelight as it was announced that the BT Tower, a well-known landmark in London, is set to be turned into a hotel.

Catherine Croft, Subject Tutor on the Conservation of Historic Concrete course at West Dean, weighed in on the news.

The beauty of drawing lies in its simplicity – anyone can do it, and there's no right or wrong way to approach it. Drawing is simply the act of making marks whether it be on paper, canvas or anything.

We spoke to artist Deborah Petch about her work and why the joy lies in the process of creating.

From traditional techniques passed down through generations to modern twists on classic crafts, West Dean’s short courses in Bloomsbury London offer a hands-on practical learning experience where you can create something unique with your own hands.

Bookbinding short course tutor Rachel Ward-Sale has contributed to a collection of miniature books commissioned by Her Majesty The Queen for the centenary of Queen Mary's Dolls' House.