Ref: S5D40332
This course is based on the idea of mark-making and surface texture in tapestry, finding expressive ways to describe the movement, weight and substance of the things around us through the use of traditional woven techniques. Building a relationship between material and structure you will connect with the dynamic processes associated with fibre art and the work of artists such as Magdalena Abakanovicz and Sheila Hicks.
We will begin by making a series of samples that teach techniques such as soumak, ghiordes knots, wrapping and extruding, exploring the endless variations that different yarns and fibres can bring to the process. Having mastered these techniques, you will use your new vocabulary of textile mark-making to work between image and surface texture, experimenting with the translation of drawn marks into tapestry (you dont have to be good at drawing to do this!). A variety of fibres and yarns will be available for you to work with and we will use some basic dyeing techniques to give you a more personalised palette. Large frames or scaffolding will be available for you to work on so that the ambition of scale becomes part of the process. You will use a heavy warp to build your tapestry quickly and over the five days the aim is to make a number of samples and a finalised piece that brings together some of the textures, colours and surfaces that have inspired you.
A wide variety of samples that demonstrate the techniques will be available for you to study as well as relevant contextual material. There will be talks introducing you to a number of artists who have pioneered this exciting area of textiles. The approach will be discursive and interactive, with plenty of room for discussion and the freedom over the course of the week to develop an individual expressive approach to this way of making.
Immersive Art School Week
This course is part of our ‘Immersive Art School’ group of short courses for summer 2026, led by talented artist-tutors.
There will be tutor talks on Tuesday evening from 5:15 to 6.15pm in The Old Library as part of the course. Studio visits are encouraged to share work and experiences (out of core teaching hours).
The College will supply most of the materials, including warp (recycled cotton cord/macramé cord), yarn (wools, linens, cottons, etc. a variety), some paper and ink. Larger frames for weaving, Plant fibres may be available from the grounds. In addition, the tutor will supply some of the materials, including fibres such as jute, sisal and hemp.
Sketchbook, printed images of places you have been to and can work from Any plant fibres you have access to and may like to weave with
Available from shop: Warp thread
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-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 (lunch included)
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 - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)
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.
Rachel studied painting before completing an MA in Fine Art Tapestry at the Royal College of Art. She has explored visual practice with communities around the UK to produce commissioned and public art and was a senior lecturer in Fine Art at the University of Chichester with a specialism in textiles and socially engaged art projects. She has exhibited widely including in the Cordis Prize for Tapestry exhibitions.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.
