On 7 August, acclaimed environmental artist Martin Brockman will lead a special one-day workshop at West Horsley Place, giving people an opportunity to create work in clay using natural materials and processes discovered on the West Horsley Place estate.

Martin, who trained at West Surrey College of Art and Design in Farnham (now UCA), has worked nationally on site-specific projects, including at Tate Modern, Wakehurst Place, RHS Chelsea Flower Show and more.  Passionate about empowering people to connect with the landscape through creativity, Martin has delivered sellout workshops and courses for, amongst others, Ditchling Museum of Art & Craft, B-Arts and Raybel Charters, the maritime heritage and arts project.

Significantly, this will be Martin’s first workshop in Surrey.

 

At West Horsley Place, Martin will lead a session exploring clay making and decorating using locally sourced clays. Participants will create and decorate hand-built tiles, taking inspiration from the landscape of the 400-acre estate, which features areas of ancient woodland, traditional orchards, historic hedgerows and 18th century walled gardens. They will learn how to make pigments from natural elements and will also discover how to fire their work in an outdoor setting, using a paper kiln.

The workshop is the latest in a series of arts and crafts courses organised by the West Horsley Place Trust. From pottery to poetry, woodcarving to willow basket weaving, the multi-disciplinary programme connects with the history and natural environment of West Horsley Place.

Ilona Harris, Director of West Horsley Place Trust, said:

“Despite its age, West Horsley Place is newly formed. Fuelled by the artistic interests of our founders, Bamber & Christina Gascoigne, we’re delighted to now offer a growing programme of arts and crafts courses that draw on this unique setting. Martin’s workshop will be a very special opportunity to combine a connection to the landscape with creative endeavour, and most importantly, one that is open to any experience level to give it a go. We hope it will be the first of many.”

Martin Brockman said:

“As I travel around Britain visiting diverse landscapes and communities, these workshops explore a variety of skills and materials communicating through hands on making and a positive response to our natural environment.”

“For this workshop I am looking forward to be working in the beautiful grounds of West Horsley place digging, refining its clay and exploring outdoor firing techniques”.

Outdoor Pottery Experience takes place at West Horsley Place on 7 August (10am-4pm).  No prior experience is required (suitable for 18+ years).  For further information and to book tickets (£65):