WEA courses

This course introduces students to the foundational skills of calligraphy and hand lettering. Starting with the history and evolution of both art forms, students will learn about essential tools and materials. They will practice basic strokes, letter formations, and techniques for both lowercase and uppercase alphabets. By the end of this term, students will be able to create simple projects like greeting cards or quote art, utilising basic layouts and compositions. The focus is on developing a strong understanding of the basics and building confidence and creating a calligraphic sketchbook.

Have you ever seen weaving and wondered how to get started and wanted to try your hand at it? On this course you will discover that it is possible to make a loom from a variety of materials, even from something as simple as a piece of card, a branch, etc. You will also explore how to use more than just wool to weave with and how to prepare alternative materials for weaving. You will gain knowledge about how threads are interlaced to create a woven fabric and what the different threads are called and how to use them to create patterns and texture in piece of woven textile art. You will also discover how weaving can be beneficial to your health, helping you to “be in the moment” and create a calming environment.

The British Empire played a major role in shaping the modern world and the lives of millions of people both at home and overseas. How did it come about?

The course aims to encourage learners to attend art exhibitions and/or musical events with a greater background knowledge in order to enhance appreciation. If actual attendance is not possible, to undertake independent research and hence, enjoy a more active and cultural lifestyle. The class also offers an opportunity for learners to interact socially with like- minded people in intellectual pursuits. It also encourages learners to acquire critical and analytical skills through debate and discussion. The course covers all styles and periods from the Renaissance to the present day. It is multi media to accommodate diverse learning styles and preferences. It is suitable for beginners and connoisseurs alike.

In this course, we will focus on a century of artistic creation in Britain. From the artists in Cornwall to the war artists during the Second World War, we will study a varied mix of artists and art movements. We will proceed chronologically, but will keep in mind several transversal themes, especially that of the dialogue with artistic centres abroad, such as Paris and New York. Doing so, we will wonder whether modern British art followed a similar path as elsewhere or if some singular traits can be identified.

This course will examine how different countries and cultures use pattern as a form of decoration whilst exploring a variety of art making techniques and media. You will be invited to find out about different countries, uncovering how decoration has become a distinctive part of their culture, rituals and presentation. You will have the opportunity to experiment with symmetry, symbolism and colour and learn about the meaning and importance of different decorative traditions, including the making and decorating of your own Mexican sugar skull, Indian Mandala plate and Chinese Ming vase pattern

The Victorian years saw unprecedented industrialisation which changed the face of Britain but also attitudes. Industrial developments were perceived as both positive and negative, but the countryside was viewed as a tradition, community and continuity. Yet images of the country, as well as the town, reveal the complexity of a society adapting to the modern world. Depiction of idyllic country scenes and grimy urban life reveal deep tension in Victorian society. This course will reveal that complexity and the contradictions which characterised the years 1837 to 1901 by examining paintings, engravings, photographs cartoons and the literature of the period.

This new course is a great introduction to embroidering on felt fabric and has been designed for beginner and improver level hand stitchers. The online course provides you with simple digital tools to help your learning, the class environment is a friendly with enthusiastic learners that you can share your work and stitching passion with. Learning to stitch on felt is a great alternative to using the ordinary cotton fabrics and Aida normally used for embroidery stitching.The sessions will begin with the focus on learning several hand embroidery stitches and introduce themes such as how to layer and combine simple stitches to create different patterns. As the course progresses you will also learn how to make a needlebook and small pincushion out of felt pieces, both of which are ideal for practising your new found or improved level of stitching on. This course is funded by the Education Skills and Funding Agency.

Dante’s Inferno, one of the masterpieces of Western literature, is structured as a journey Dante takes through the different levels of Hell, observing the souls damned for various kinds of self-centred actions (sins) while alive, providing us with a series of insightful images and dramas, taking us deep into the psychological depths of humanity. The course takes us through the 34 cantos of Dante’s Inferno, progressing slowly so we can question, discuss and savour the literary features and the vision of human nature presented in the poem.

Enhance your artistic skills with our Art Practical: Intermediate Art Practical course. Learn advanced techniques for drawing, painting, and mixed media. Ideal for artists looking to refine their abilities and explore new creative approaches.