9.30am to 4.30pm
Make a rustic stool using coppiced hazel and willow. In the morning you will make the hazel frame, using simple hand tools to form the mortice and tenon joints to hold it together. In the afternoon you will weave the willow using a variety of coloured rods to create a beautiful and unique rustic stool.
Dave Jackson is a self employed coppice craftsman from the Malvern Hills in Worcestershire . He makes a wide variety of woodland products from hurdles to charcoal, stick whistles to rustic furniture. He is host to one of the Bill Hogarth Memorial Apprentices who works alongside him, and is now entering the second year of her 3 year coppice craft apprenticeship. Two years ago he established the Malvern Hills Coppice Network which strives to restore neglected coppice and promote traditional coppice crafts. This is now a thriving network with an established volunteer group. Dave Jackson makes bentwood chairs to sell and is always truly amazed at the wonderful things that can be conjured up from a humble bundle of sticks!
Participants are asked to bring their own secateurs and a pruning saw. All other tools will be provided. Please contact the Museum if you do not have these items.
Outdoor clothing is recommended, as you will be in close contact with the materials.
£65 per person, to include tuition, a light lunch, teas and coffees. The Museum café will be open or you can bring a packed lunch.
The Weald & Downland Open Air Museum has over 45 historic building exhibits. It is also home to the award winning and innovative Downland Gridshell, which houses a conservation workshop and artefact store, and is also used for many practical courses. The Museum runs a full programme of courses in historic building conservation and traditional rural trades and crafts, along with MSc programmes in Building Conservation and Timber Building Conservation. Please telephone for further details.
To book, download a form here. Alternatively, fill in the booking request below.