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Watercolours

This class is for anyone wishing to explore watercolours, from beginner to the more experienced painter. We will be looking at different theories, and practical applications, exploring this versatile medium. We will find our preferred technique and develop our personal style. From portraits to florals, landscapes to botanicals, we will delve into subjects working from […]

Introduction to Pattern Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Table Loom

During this course you will learn to design and weave your own fabrics in a wide selection of colours and patterns on a Rigid Heddle Table Loom. You can sample a range of both traditional and contemporary patterns, explore techniques for textured picks, and learn about creating cloth for different end-uses. We will start with […]

Abstract Drawing

Join Callum Abbott in his first Settlement course in abstract drawing. Learn how to free your mind, and not simply draw what you see, but draw what you feel. We will be exploring shape, line, pattern as well as colour, and developing your skills to create different marks and experimenting with materials. No experience necessary, […]

The Psychology of Gender

Are men from Mars and Women from Venus? How much truth is there behind the stereotypes? This course will explore the impact of our biology on sex and gender, and look at a number of other explanations for our gender development. For instance, what is the impact of the media and the culture we live […]

Get Writing for All

These classes are ideal for anyone who enjoys writing or would like to start. No experience is necessary. The emphasis is on having fun and through a combination of reference to published texts, writing and listening, confidence is built in writing fiction and non-fiction. Short, optional homework exercises are set weekly with supportive feedback from […]

Abstract Painting

Each lesson begins with an approachable practical experiment that is later developed using various materials such as acrylic paints, watercolours, pen and ink and collage. All will be demonstrated to understand how the materials can be used in each session and constant guidance will be given throughout the course. Contemporary artists are introduced and discussed […]

Writing your Memoirs

Have you thought about writing your life story but are concerned that you will not know how? If so, this course is for you. In a supportive atmosphere, you will be offered suggestions designed to give you confidence in writing even if you have never done anything like this before. You may find that this […]

Get Writing for All

These classes are ideal for anyone who enjoys writing or would like to start. No experience is necessary. The emphasis is on having fun and through a combination of reference to published texts, writing and listening, confidence is built in writing fiction and non-fiction. Short, optional homework exercises are set weekly with supportive feedback from […]

Botanical Art

A five-week course looking at the Botanical World. Using plants, fruits, feathers, finds, and all things Botanical, Jill will give demonstrations and guidance on the techniques used to achieve success with a variety of mediums from pencils, coloured pencils, watercolours, and pen and ink.

Provincial Manners: Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert

An opportunity to study closely in English translation the debut novel of this French writer whose eponymous, imperfect heroine is one of the great characters in world literature. When the novel was first serialised in 1856 public prosecutors in Paris attacked it for obscenity, but notoriety only made the novel more popular. Critics now consider […]

Applied Arts

This Art Club focuses on experimentation with a wide range of materials and mixed media. Taught by Chantelle Stephenson, a local artist and established tutor at the Settlement. She will provide inspiring ideas and direction on technique. Each class begins with demonstrations, and you are then encouraged to develop ideas and allow your work to […]

Woven Tapestry

Learn woven tapestry skills at your own pace. A course perfect for learning the basics in tapestry weaving and for further developing skills and woven tapestry knowledge. Choose from a selection of projects aimed at various skill levels from beginner to improver. Lucy will work with you to help you develop your weaving and design […]

Get Writing for All

These classes are ideal for anyone who enjoys writing or would like to start. No experience is necessary. The emphasis is on having fun and through a combination of reference to published texts, writing and listening, confidence is built in writing fiction and non-fiction. Short, optional homework exercises are set weekly with supportive feedback from […]

A Journey through the Arabian Nights

The “Thousand and One Nights” known in Arabic as “Alf Layla wa Layla” are a collection of some of the greatest fables, fairy tales, stories, and historical anecdotes ever told.  During these 5 weeks, Wafà will take you on a journey through the origins of the Nights, how they were collected in 938 AD in […]

125 Years of British Cinema

The British film industry represents over a century of creativity and innovation and is responsible for some of the most memorable movies ever produced – as well as some uniquely British moments. Come and explore the studios, directors, and stars that shaped an artistic and commercial powerhouse to rival that of our friends in Hollywood. […]

Simply Sewing

Construct an item of clothing with a commercial pattern and gain confidence to enjoy sewing in a group and at home on your own. Lots of support will be provided by the tutor, for you to develop your sewing skills to achieve a professional finish with zips, facings, hems, gathers, darts, pressing and more. Come […]

The Art of Architecture – Ancient to the 16th Century

The Art of Architecture - Ancient to the 16th Century Come and explore the history of architecture from its beginnings in the ancient world to the present time.  This three lecture overview with James Willis will take you to ancient Egypt and Rome, the French Cathedrals, English Country gardens, modern New York and so much […]

Persian Empires Since the Achaemenids

The philosopher Georg Hegel trumpeted the Achaemenids as launching the historical process by creating the earliest empire in the modern sense of rule over a number of peoples. Cyrus established this great empire, from the Indus to the Aegean Sea, before the unification of China or the expansion of Rome. The Arabs might have conquered […]

The Roman Empire

The Roman Empire of Augustus and Marcus Aurelius might have collapsed more than fifteen hundred years ago but it has persisted in the imaginations of Europeans around the world as the very archetype of empire. Recently we’re told (who knows on what basis) that the average European or American male thinks about the Roman Empire […]

Whose Wine is it Anyway?

Do you fancy yourself a wine connoisseur? If so then join us for a fun evening of wine tasting coupled with a quiz. Our three experts will tell you all about the wine you are tasting, but which one of them is telling the truth? With 7 to 8 different wines to taste, your guesses […]

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