HAZEL CHAIR COURSES

Again this year we are offering two separate courses, firstly a two day (one week end) course to make a ‘straight back chair’ and our usual four day (two consecutive week ends) course to make a ‘curved back chair’. This is in response to the fact that students find it difficult to allocate two week ends due to work and family commitments.

Our two day course will involve collecting hazel from local sources just as the four day course does, this means that one of the most enjoyable parts of the course is not lost. The remaining time is spent learning how to safely construct your own version of a straight back chair. This portion of the course is much the same as detailed below for the four day course. Whatever you make, you take home!

(Click to visit our Gallery of 2009 students and their chairs)

    (March 2008 Images)       (Feb 2008 Images)        (2008 Images)

Our four day course covering two consecutive weekends consists of;

Day 1: We go to a local Cornish Wildlife Trust woodland / local hazel source where we cut the hazel ourselves. This provides a unique day learning basic practical coppicing techniques, the traditional uses of the wood plus the environmental and conservation issues and benefits. On the first day you will meet Phil Harris who is an expert on flora and fauna and whose speciality is butterflies.

Days 2-4: At Wadebridge campus where you will construct your chairs, guided by our hazel chair specialist, Hugh Cole.

The course is spread over four days instead of the more usual two or three days so that you will have the chance to be involved in every stage of construction, rather than just fitting together pieces of wood that someone else cut for you! If time permits it is possible to ‘have a go’ at other woodland craft skills such as using a ‘draw horse’ and ‘rounding planes’.

Every one is welcome over the age of 16 and success is in no way dependant upon age, sex or previous ability. The oldest student so far was 73, the youngest just 17. All that we ask is that you bring with you a packed lunch on each day and wet weather gear (just in case) on the first day. All materials & fixings are included in the price. We do ask you to bring some tools with you, details of which will follow with place confirmation.

Finally, everyone is guaranteed to take home a unique chair to be proud of.

Hazel Chair making Courses

 We are sorry to announce that Courses will sadly no longer be run due to College re-organisation making running these courses impractical and financially unviable!!

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 If you have any Enquiries please contact;

HUGH COLE

TEL: 01872 520109 OR 07764 156404
E-MAIL