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Jason Mosseri of Hopesprings Chairs says that he is very much looking forward to teaching and spending time in the woods this spring and summer: "Retreating into the dappled sunlight is going to be even more vital than usual," he comments.

Get back to nature

Set in a charming outdoor workshop in the woods of Sussex, this course delves into the traditional hand tools and techniques used in English chairmaking, and offers the unique experience of working without the use of electricity.
   The gorgeous ancient woodland, carpeted with bluebells in the spring, offers a unique chance to step away from the busy outside world and to relax and reconnect with nature.

Learn how to make your very own greenwood chair

Whether you're a beginner, a seasoned practitioner, or simply returning for another go, these courses present an exciting opportunity to immerse yourself into the world of greenwood working.
   You'll learn how to select a suitable green ash log, cleave it into parts, and, using a spring pole-lathe, ’turn’ these parts into legs and stretchers. Then, sitting on a shavehorse, and using a drawknife, you’ll shape your spindles. Next, bows and crests will be steamed and then bent onto simple forms. While these parts are drying in the wood-fired kiln, participants will be taught how to carve a seat using an adze and travisher. Finally, after a lot of drilling and measuring, Jason will show students how to frame their chairs.
   Lunch is an important part of the day, a time to kick back and relax, and Jason provides a varied and tasty selection of vegetarian lunches over the week, plus lots of tea and biscuits.

Everyone welcome

Jason welcomes students who have made chairs before and are hoping to develop their skills further. If you're a returning student, you’ll have the chance to test and hone your skills by making a more complicated chair – there is a range of styles and patterns waiting.
   If courses are cancelled or rearranged due to COVID restrictions, you'll be given the opportunity to reschedule your booking. All courses were busy last summer, and were undertaken with safe guidance, consideration and precaution.

Course dates for 2021
 
Monday 26 April – Saturday 1 May
Monday 17 May – Saturday 22 May
Monday 7 June – Saturday 12 June
Monday 5 July – Saturday 10 July
Monday 23 August – Saturday 28 August
Monday 13 September – Saturday 18 September

Booking info

The course costs £550 and includes all materials, tool use and lunches (additional fees are charged for advanced chairs). A shortlist of local accommodation is available on request. You can watch a short video on the course, or request a booking, by clicking here. Alternatively Jason can be contacted by phone – 07795 114 982 – or email: [email protected].