If you would like to make simple furniture, but have no previous woodworking experience, this course will help you to learn some fundamental woodworking techniques. You will use tools provided by the College to make a small bench from solid timber (see note advising cost in Materials).
You will be introduced to the use of hand planes, chisels and other essential tools required to make the bench. The tutor has designed the bench so that you can learn, step-by-step, all the necessary construction processes.
Enjoy a combination of tutor-led demonstrations and practical work, as you gain an understanding of how to use the tools that you have been introduced to and the techniques needed to make the bench.
Available from tutor:
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
Tom Kealy has designed and made contemporary furniture since
training at Parnham College in 1979, and for ten years was senior
craftsman in the John Makepeace workshops. He runs furniture making
classes from his workshop, and teaches at the Centre for Furniture
Craftsmanship in America and the Building Crafts College,
London.
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
