Ref: S5D37872
Over the duration of this course, you will be taught the basic traditional techniques to make a charming, strong and comfortable Windsor side chair, made of oak and ash.
The emphasis of the week is to experience and master particular chairmaking hand tools, such as the travisher, drawknife and carving adze. You will make all the components of the chair: legs, spindles, etc. from scratch. The crests and stretchers will be steam bent and you will carve a seat from a seasoned board of ash. Then we will drill, assemble and finish the chair. The chair is designed and taught by chair maker, Jason Mosseri of Hopesprings Chairs, and is unique to this course at West Dean College.
As an alternative to using a lathe to fashion parts, you will be exploring the use of hand planes to make attractive, octagonal legs and posts, as in the Welsh tradition. All joints will be wedged tenons or pinned tenons.
There will be plenty of opportunity to discuss the rich heritage of the Windsor chair, a style that originated in Britain and became popular worldwide during the 18th and 19th centuries. You will be given detailed information on how to apply various finishes to your chair at home.
Please note: chair making is a demanding activity, both mentally and physically, so a good level of fitness and ability to retain instructions is required. Some previous experience of using woodworking tools would be helpful.
On this course, the tutor will supply all of the materials and many of the tools.
Available from shop: Abrasive papers
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals, and safety boots, if specified.
Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am. Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options
Jason makes contemporary, stylish Windsor chairs. He was taught by chair maker Paul Hayden. As part of his business, Jason teaches chair making 'without electricity' in a Sussex woodland. He exhibits his chairs at design and craft fairs, including the West Dean Arts and Craft Festival. His work is often published in magazines.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Our Foundation Degree specialising in Furniture is designed to give you well-rounded woodworking theory and craft skills to become a self-employed maker or craftsperson, to continue your studies in higher education or to find employment in the creative industry sector. Find out more
