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From ash log to handsome chair – all by hand

Learn all the traditional skills needed to make a handsome and strong chair, taught by professional chairmaker, Jason Mosseri.

Eager to welcome new students to his newly-built workshop in stunning private woodland close to Brighton and Haywards Heath, Jason describes the space as being extensive, very beautiful and hugely diverse. There’s also a big new teaching space that’s made using locally coppiced chestnut.

Jason’s chairmaking course presents a wonderful opportunity to learn a range of advanced greenwood carpentry techniques, beginning with an introduction to suitable timbers and the types of trees used. Become confident with splitting and riving selected logs, as well as turning parts on a foot powered pole-lathe.

Steam-bend a lovely arm bow, and carve a comfortable and sculptural seat using an adze and travisher. Learn all about assembly, drilling and gluing, as well as how to master the details that’ll make your chair look splendid. All participants will leave the course with their own beautifully crafted armchair.

Although most courses are already booked up, there’s a handful of spaces still remaining for the June, July and September dates, which are as follows:

* Monday 19 June–Saturday 24 June
* Monday 17 July–Saturday 22 July
* Monday 18 September–Saturday 23 September

The course costs £680 including all materials, tool use and lunches. Additional fees apply for advanced chairs.

New two-day footstool/table making course

Suitable for beginners and students seeking a simple introduction to woodworking. Over the two days, students will make a beautiful footstool or small table, using drawknives and bench planes. There’s also the chance to have a go at turning using a pole-lathe, learning about different timbers and their uses, in addition to looking at paint techniques and finishes.

This is the perfect course for trying out a wide range of woodworking tools and techniques involved in chairmaking.

Designed as an introduction to woodwork, this short course is a great opportunity to spend a couple of days in the woodland workshop. Priced at £250 and taking place from 31 August–1 September, the course includes use of all tools, materials and lunches.

To book your place on either of these courses, contact Jason Mosseri on 07795 114 982, email [email protected] or visit www.hopespringschairs.com for further details. Please note that a shortlist of local accommodation is also available on request.