Latest reviews

13 Jun 16'

Jess reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Could not recommend this course enough! We drove down on the morning and were greeted by Adrian, Andy and Debbie with tea and lovely biscuits. We had a friendly introduction and then got stuck in. Adrian demonstrated really clearly how to do the tasks in doable chunks and then we had all the tools and equipment to do it individually, with just the right amount of supervision and guidance; I always felt like I had done it all myself. The projects we made looked great, and we had a fantastic day. It was certainly worth the cost, and the meal we had at lunchtime was absolutely brilliant- just what we needed after the hard work! Couldn't fault this course at all, looking forward to going back!"

13 Jun 16'

Kathryn Davey reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"My friend and I have just had the most fun learning to throw pots with Rowena on Saturday. Rowena got us going straight away on the wheel and before we knew it we were making bowls! Amazing. We grinned and laughed the whole day. We will definitely be back for more and it was well worth the drive down from London. I cannot recommend this course highly enough. Such a wonderful feeling of achievement and to be able to learn from such a skilled teacher. Thank you so much."

13 Jun 16'

Virgina Wildman reviewed: Evening Patchwork with Pam Wise

"Had a wonderful 6 weeks learning patchwork here with Pam. Can't thank her enough for all her help and advice. Very much want to do another course."

13 Jun 16'

Anon reviewed: Basic beekeeping

"All of it – excellent!"

13 Jun 16'

Anon reviewed: Basic beekeeping

"Fantastic course with excellent presentation and knowledge from Brian. Like the handouts to digest when there's more time. Listening to someone who knows about beekeeping"

13 Jun 16'

anon reviewed: Basic beekeeping

"Best bits were seeing the bees and Brian's answers to our questions based on his experience"

13 Jun 16'

anon reviewed: Basic beekeeping

"Brian was amazing at his job info about beekeeping was outstanding, seeing the bees in real life was great. The print outs are a really good idea. I would tell people to come on the course"

13 Jun 16'

Anon reviewed: Basic beekeeping

"Brian is amazingly knowledgeable and skilled in delivery, lovely lunch. Fantastic - learnt so much"

13 Jun 16'

anon reviewed: Victorian sewing box - one day course

"All of it thoroughly enjoyed it, both the educational side and the practical side. Excellent tutor - her knowledge and love of textiles and Acton Scott shone through. Fabulous day, lunch and refreshments also excellent."

13 Jun 16'

Anon reviewed: Victorian sewing box - one day course

"Thoroughly enjoyed all of the course, lovely to hear the history first and actually touch the clothing etc., lovely afternoon making bits in the wonderful parlour. Insight into garment construction, practical sessions."

13 Jun 16'

Joanna reviewed: Jewellery Design

"It's one of the most accessible places that I know and a wonderful place to study."

13 Jun 16'

Breda reviewed: Clothes Making: Beachwear

"I like the atmosphere at the Mary Ward Centre, and the tutors' teaching and presentations are great. This is exceptional!"

13 Jun 16'

Julia reviewed: Personal Fashion Styling - 2 workshops at Mary Ward Centre

"The teachers, staff and students here have a massive amount of enthusiasm. I've definitely gained more confidence since starting to study here. I couldn't sing its praises more highly!"

13 Jun 16'

Karen reviewed: Jewellery: making a ring in a day at the Mary Ward Centre (concessions available)

"There are such a huge number of courses on offer, I can always find something to fit in with my busy schedule."

13 Jun 16'

John reviewed: Advanced Printmaking

"I’d recommend the Mary Ward Centre because it's very accessible and open and it's filled with really interesting people."

13 Jun 16'

Nila reviewed: Illustration: Children's Books - 3 workshops

"I feel much happier and more energetic since I started classes at the Mary Ward Centre."

13 Jun 16'

Karen reviewed: Paper And Textile Jewellery

"I started at the Mary Ward Centre with just a casual interest in Art. Now, 4 years later, I specialise in textile art and ‘soft sculptures’. I’ve hosted a solo exhibition in my local library."

13 Jun 16'

Deborah reviewed: Drawing And Painting Portraits

"The Mary Ward Centre has allowed me to let go of creative restraints, it's given me confidence and I've learnt a lot of new techniques. Now I can really draw from my heart!"

13 Jun 16'

Patsy reviewed: Experimental Drawing From Sculpture

"The tutors give just the right level of criticism and it's always constructive, I'm allowed to make my own mistakes and learn from them."

13 Jun 16'

Alex Mason reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"My wife gave me this as a present for my 75th birthday - Nigel is a great character and an excellent teacher - a few safety tips, a demonstration then off you go to get on with it - under his guidance the things I made will be treasured. I would recommend this to anyone with or without any previous practical experience. A memorable day spent with a man who certainly has a flair for artistry in metal. Alex mason"

12 Jun 16'

Hernan Morillo reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I signed up for the one day course with Nigel. I had never done any smithing before and I was curious about how it would feel to bend, shape and form metal, it is an amazing thing to be able to create a complex shape from a simple rod. Nigel was excellent, obviously a talented artist/ craftsman but also a good teacher and great fun to hear his many stories. The workshop is an engineers' paradise. You'll get to visit his gallery too which is full of interesting artefacts and there are arty sculptures scattered around the gardens. I am planning to spend another 1-2 days working on my own design of a fire pit. Would I recommend this course/ Nigel ? Yes, without any hesitation and I look forward to visiting Fransham Forge again soon. Thank you for an excellent day Nigel."

12 Jun 16'

Annabel Parfitt reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"I had an amazing day at the forge. After a brief but informative safety bit we watched Colin make a coat hook and within 15 minutes of starting the day we had our tongs on hot metal. Colin was a great teacher, giving encouragement and guidance when needed but leaving us to get on and learn when we were OK. We got to make our own fabulous projects, did a bit of team work on axe heads and I went home with coats hooks, a beautiful Saxon style pruning knife, an axe and a couple of swan style key fobs. I'll be back when I have other projects I've thought up to make."

12 Jun 16'

Len Shield reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Hi this was my first taste of Blacksmithing since leaving school 50 years ago. The day did not disappoint, brilliant from start to finish with excellent tuition from Adrian and his associate. Tea and home made biscuits to start the day followed by the obligatory health and safety then down to the first small project to get you into the feel of the forge and heat. Good practical demonstration instruction, stage by stage, followed by an excellent home made lunch and local cheese then back to the heat of the forge and the completion of the Dragon coat hanger. Every one was friendly and helpful. Do not miss this course. I will be back for more. Len Shield"

12 Jun 16'

Harvey Darkins reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I had a great day blacksmithing with Nigel on the one day course. I received the course as a present from my girlfriend as I've always wanted to have a go and maybe start it as a hobby. I managed to make a fire set (poker, tong and shovel) in the day which was a nice thing to take away from the course. Nigel is always on hand to help you through each stage. He makes it look very easy. We stayed at the forge in one of Nigel's shepherds hut. It was very comfortable, perfect accommodation for the course, with everything you need. Plus, it was nice to be able to cook our meals on open fire. I would definitely go back for another day if I start blacksmithing as a hobby, for more tuition."

12 Jun 16'

Matt Filer reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"As a total beginner with an interest in wood craft, I was bought this introduction day to woodtunring as a birthday present, I have to say genuinely wonderful experience and would highly recommend it to anyone. The whole day was massively informative and enjoyable as well as testing. Great care and detail was given in regard all aspects of skills and tools required, to include a detailed handout covering all basics which was used as the guide for the day. Mark clearly has a wealth of experience and knowledge which is only eclipsed by his passion for the art, of which he has a very high degree of skill. Not only did I find the course a perfect introduction to woodturning, leaving with a turned bowl as a reminder of the day I found Mark to be great company and very patient with me."