In-person course
in Nailsworth, Stroud Maker & location details

Creating automata - weekend course. Explore the combination of movement and materials such as wood, wire, metal tube and sheet, found objects and figures.

Automiton made by Fi

Description

Be introduced to basic mechanisms and experiment with ways in which they can be combined with form to create automata with a narrative theme. The combination of movement and materials such as wood, wire, metal tube and sheet, found objects and figures will be explored with these simple mechanisms. Expect to work with wood, wire, metal tube and sheet, old tins and found objects. The course will start at 9 o’clock on Saturday morning. You will be introduced to a small selection of the tutor’s work and to a prototype piece that the course will be based on. This will be followed by a brief explanation of the basic mechanisms you will be working with. You will be provided with the basic ingredients of an automaton- cams, levers, pulleys and a treasure trove of other materials- which you can assemble, customise and elaborate on with help and guidance from the tutor. The course will finish at 5 o’clock on Sunday afternoon. Fi Henshall has been making automata for 12 years. She makes automata from wood, metal, broken machinery, old tins and odd objects, working largely in recycled materials. She borrows techniques from any discipline she can pick up (carving, soldering, engineering, painting, modelling, jewellery making and more) to illustrate stories about strange characters and creatures, set in elaborate landscapes. She is a part-time tutor at West Dean and exhibits nationally and internationally and currently has worked on display in Kew Gardens Pagoda, The Exploratorium in San Francisco and Falmouth Gallery.

What's included in the price?

All tuition and materials are included as well as teas, coffees and biscuits

Duration

14 hours

Cancellation policy

Strict - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 8 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Fi Henshall at Nailsworth Community Workshop

with Craft Courses since 2018

Message the tutor

Suitable for

Adults
Seniors
Teenagers
Wheelchair users
Suitable for beginners
Intermediate level

What does this mean?

Message the tutor

Venue

Nailsworth Subscription Rooms, Bath Road, Nailsworth, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL6 0HH

Price:

£250.00

Duration:

14 hours

Time:

09:00 - 17:00

The course doesn't currently have live dates

Message the tutor

Reviews

All maker's reviews

16 Oct 24'

Bridget reviewed: Creating automata - weekend course. Explore the combination of movement and materials such as wood, wire, metal tube and sheet, found objects and figures.

"Fantastic course. Fi is a great teacher and helps you to problem-solve whilst making room for learning. Supplies for the course and tools are excellent. Lovely vibe and absorbing. Recommended "

6 Mar 23'

Mo Brown reviewed: Creating automata - weekend course. Explore the combination of movement and materials such as wood, wire, metal tube and sheet, found objects and figures.

"Well that was great - rummaging through collections of old tins, strange bits of machinery and all kinds of oddments for pieces to make our creations individual and fabulous! Fi shared her know-how and demonstrated the mechanisms. She showed us how to use the tools and patiently sorted any glitches. It was a really enjoyable, relaxed weekend in well equipped workshops with friendly people. I am very pleased with what I achieved and my automata will remind me of a happy time."

Nailsworth Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you Mo for your review and Im so glad you had a good weekend. Lovely to hear that you enjoyed making some new . Ive sent a copy of what you said along to Fi too Best wishes Pam "

6 Mar 23'

Ela Myszek reviewed: Creating automata - weekend course. Explore the combination of movement and materials such as wood, wire, metal tube and sheet, found objects and figures.

"Two days spent discovering the absolute joy of creating automata. It was a real pleasure to meet Fi Henshall, our tutor, and the community workshop team were so welcoming. The course itself was detailed enough for people who had some art/ crafting/ automaton making experience, but also allowed complete newbies like myself to learn without feeling over-faced. And Fi was a patient, knowledgeable and friendly presence, problem-solving, teaching, chivvying and encouraging. I came away with my head buzzing with ideas. Thank you to all."

Nailsworth Community Workshop responded:

"Hello there and thank you for taking the time to give us the review. Im so glad you had a good weekend and found it inspiring. Ive shown your review to Fi and she was really touched All the best Pam "

5 Mar 23'

Jenny reviewed: Creating automata - weekend course. Explore the combination of movement and materials such as wood, wire, metal tube and sheet, found objects and figures.

"Writing this on the train home from an amazing weekend, clutching my precious box of automata creations! Fi is a fantastic tutor, super knowledgeable, patient, encouraging and friendly. I have so many ideas for future projects and now feel confident in beginning them. Thank you so much!"

Nailsworth Community Workshop responded:

"So glad you enjoyed the weekend. It was lovely to pop in and see you all so focused and creating some amazing projects. Thank you for talking the time to give us a review and I wish you well in all your future creations. All the best Pam (Ive shown Fi your review and she was really touched)"

13 Mar 22'

Mark Kennedy reviewed: Creating automata - weekend course. Explore the combination of movement and materials such as wood, wire, metal tube and sheet, found objects and figures.

"The course was brilliant. Fi lead the course with skill, patience and excellent communication. The objectives were clearly explained and the days flew by. The venue was perfect for creating our automata, with space, and a comprehensive selection of tools and materials, which friendly support from the Subscription Rooms team. We all produced working models and gained knowledge to take with us. I can’t wait for another course."

13 Mar 22'

John reviewed: Creating automata - weekend course. Explore the combination of movement and materials such as wood, wire, metal tube and sheet, found objects and figures.

"What a wonderful course run by Fi Henshall and the brilliant team at Nailsworth Community Workshop. Plenty of opportunity to learn new skills and Fi is so patient, caring and attentive to all. Highly recommended."