The Quiet Workshop reviews

5 Nov 24'

Matt Gould reviewed: Building and weaving a round stool at The Quiet Workshop

"Brilliant course run by brilliant people. The course (building and weaving a round stool) was incredibly interesting and StJohn's approach to teaching was exactly what I wanted - supportive and expert but also giving me the space to test/try (and mess up if needed but knowing there was always back-up or a way to fix a problem). The food was also DELICIOUS - Byrony's cooking and baking was a very welcome surprise during break and lunch times. Absolutely recommend this course (or any of the courses at The Quiet Workshop)."

The Quiet Workshop responded:

"Matt, Thanks for you review; it was really thoughtful. It was lovely to meet you. You did a great job on the stool and a produced a flawless seat weave. Best wishes, StJohn & Bryony"

26 Oct 24'

Helena reviewed: Building and weaving a simple stool at The Quiet Workshop

"My sister and I had a wonderful weekend on this course, it exceeded all our expectations! StJohn was very patient and encouraging and we both came away feeling so proud of our stools! Special thanks to Bryony for making the most delicious food and cakes (including factoring in dietary requirements)!! We wouldn’t hesitate about booking another course next year! Thanks so much!"

The Quiet Workshop responded:

"Helena, thank you so much for your comments; they’re really thoughtful. You were both great fun to have in the workshop and did an excellent job. And we’re not picking a winner! Best wishes, StJohn & Bryony"

2 Oct 24'

Nick Coles reviewed: Building and weaving a simple stool at The Quiet Workshop

"I really enjoyed the Simple Stool workshop and I’m delighted with the end product. I’ve tried in the past to make things out of wood and often struggled to finish with a piece that I’m proud of. The instruction throughout was clear and the atmosphere was relaxed and informative. StJohn was very attentive and ensure that we were doing things correctly all the way through. The food was exceptional and I felt well looked after and welcome by both Bryony and StJohn. I would highly recommend this course and others and have already being telling friends, family and colleagues about my experience. "

The Quiet Workshop responded:

"Thanks Nick! You did a great job on your stool so I’m sure you’ll have no trouble with future projects. Glad you enjoyed the food. Best wishes, StJohn & Bryony"

22 Sep 24'

Clodagh Barker & Carola Warren reviewed: Building and weaving a side chair or arm chair at The Quiet Workshop

"My sister and I had a wonderful learning experience constructing our chairs together step by step over 6 days under the careful instruction of StJohn. He was the soul of patience, encouragement and a generous sharer of his own experience & skills. Bryony at frequent intervals during each day prepared delicious home made cakes & biscuits and healthy, energy boosting lunches! We so enjoyed our wide ranging conversations over meal times. We highly recommend the course not only for the end product (praised by all who see the chairs) but also as a wonderful way of sharing quality time with friends, family or like minded people. We feel that we have acquired skills with which we can build (or repair) our own furniture pieces."

The Quiet Workshop responded:

"Clodagh, Thank you so much for your review. It was lovely to have you and Carola in the workshop. Your chairs looked fantastic! We both look forward to seeing you again soon. StJohn & Bryony"

14 Sep 24'

Andrew Fowler reviewed: Building and weaving a simple stool at The Quiet Workshop

"I had a wonderful time on the two day stool course at the quiet workshop and would recommend it to any beginners looking to get into woodwork/carpentry. The course was at the correct level for myself as a beginner whilst not feeling oversimplified or basic. StJohn is a knowledgeable teacher, enthusiastic and answered every question I could ask. The setting was perfectly beautiful, quiet and relaxed. StJohn and Bryony were absolutely wonderful hosts. I am very happy with the stool I made, skills I learned and time I spent at the workshop. I'm already planning a visit back! And of course... marvellous cakes, sweet treats and lunches thanks to Bryony. Not to be overlooked! "

The Quiet Workshop responded:

"Andrew, thank you so much for you review. It was a lovely weekend with you and Caz in the workshop. We both enjoyed it immensely. You did a lovely job on your stool. I hope you’ve managed to find some of the makers’ spaces we discussed. I know that you were interested in which tools to get; we’re planning to publish a list in the autumn newsletter. Hope to see you on another course. Best wishes, StJohn & Bryony"

28 Aug 24'

Jill Walker reviewed: Building and weaving a simple stool at The Quiet Workshop

"I spent a wonderful two days - warmly welcomed into the workshop and home of StJohn and Bryony. I was so happy with the stool I made and grateful for the patient teaching from StJohn and wonderful refreshments from Bryony. I enjoyed it so much I am now planning to book my two sons and my husband in to catch the bug so we can have a new family hobby!"

The Quiet Workshop responded:

"Jill, Thank you so much for your lovely words. You and Alison were great company in the workshop and made two lovely stools. No wobble first time out! Really looking forward to meeting the rest of your family. StJohn & Bryony."

25 Aug 24'

Alison White reviewed: Building and weaving a simple stool at The Quiet Workshop

"Thoroughly enjoyed this course and made a beautiful stool I am proud of! Physically, the first day particularly was quite hard, you’re on your feet all day, and it’s a bit tough on the back, but well worth it and you sleep well. StJohn and Bryony are lovely; StJohn is a very patient and skilled teacher and Bryony’s lunches and snacks are delicious. Thank you!"

The Quiet Workshop responded:

"Alison, Thank you for your kind words. You did a great job on your stool. Lovely weave. Hope you found a useful place for it. StJohn & Bryony"

20 Aug 24'

David Hargrave reviewed: Building and weaving a round stool at The Quiet Workshop

"What a great experience. My second course and I will be back for more. Excellent teaching method makes everything such a pleasure. St John explains things in such a way that you just know you can easily make it work. Bryony, thank you for the wonderful food and the recipes "

The Quiet Workshop responded:

"David, it was lovely to have you back. Thank you so much for your review. You did a great job on your stool and in record time! We look forward to seeing you on a side chair course. StJohn & Bryony"

19 Aug 24'

Steve Williamson reviewed: Building and weaving a round stool at The Quiet Workshop

"This was such a satisfying and enjoyable course, going beyond my expectations. The learning style from StJohn was perfect - demonstrating core hand tool skills, jigs, and tips and techniques; happy to explain as much or as little as needed and stepped in to support just at the right time. It's reassuring that the furniture can be made with hand tools, which gives me the confidence to have a go at home. The workshop setup was ideal with individual benches and plenty of natural light. I enjoyed meeting my fellow learners and the social conversations over Bryony’s excellent lunches and teas. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone with an interest in chair making or an interest in home made cakes and cookies, with some chair making in between!"

The Quiet Workshop responded:

"Steve, thank you so much for your very thoughtful review. We’re really glad you enjoyed the course and B’s catering. You made an excellent job of your round stool. We hope it serves you well in your workshop. StJohn & Bryony."

13 May 24'

Dirk reviewed: Building and weaving a side chair or arm chair at The Quiet Workshop

"Five days of chair making with StJohn at the Quiet Workshop was as close to woodworking heaven as you can get! StJohn readily shares his font of knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm, of chairmaking and woodwork in general, interrupted only by fabulous meals and refreshments provided by Bryony. And what a fabulous setting! I'll be back for more."

The Quiet Workshop responded:

"Dirk, thank you so much! What an absolutely lovely review. We really enjoyed having you in the workshop. I don’t think you needed much help to build a chair - I’m sure your next five will go very easily! We look forward to seeing you again. Best wishes, StJohn & Bryony"

28 Apr 24'

Tina Mitchell reviewed: Building and weaving a simple stool at The Quiet Workshop

"A wonderful two days. The course was very informative and enjoyed everything. We learnt so much as the course was to explain what we were doing and why. The drinks and lunch were provided and very yummy. The hosts were lovely people, friendly and welcoming. Conversations were varied and light hearted. Very pleased with the end products."

The Quiet Workshop responded:

"Tina, thank you so much for your review! What an absolutely lovely thing to read. It was great to have you and David in the workshop; you were terrific company in a lovely group. We’re so glad your stools turned out so well. I hope you’re really proud of them. "

23 Apr 24'

Buffy reviewed: Building and weaving a round stool at The Quiet Workshop

"A fantastic, professionally run course where you can lose yourself doing something you love. I am super chuffed with the stool I produced. Excellent, mouth watering food was provided by Bryony. Such a great course I can't recommend it highly enough."

The Quiet Workshop responded:

"Be, what a lovely thing to read. Thank you. We’re glad you like your stool; you did a great job. Thanks for your great conversation and sense of humour. It was a pleasure to have you on a course. StJohn & Bryony"

17 Apr 24'

Bill Woods reviewed: Building and weaving a side chair or arm chair at The Quiet Workshop

"This five day course was excellent. Splendid environment, company, tutoring and catering. You also end up with a very nice chair. I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone. "

The Quiet Workshop responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Bill. It was lovely to have you on the course. Your chair looked very pretty. I hope it’s a place in your home. Best wishes, StJohn & Bryony"

18 Mar 24'

Richard reviewed: Building and weaving a side chair or arm chair at The Quiet Workshop

"StJohn & Bryony, thank you for providing such a fantastic experience in your workshop last weekend. The tutoring was excellent as was the hospitality! You make a great team. Clear instruction and demonstration. I would not hesitate to recommend your courses and wish you all the best for the future. "

The Quiet Workshop responded:

"Richard, thanks so much for your review. It was lovely having you in the workshop. I’m definitely going to steal your technique for tying back the weft as you weave; it’s now on the flip chart. I hope you get the holdfasts sorted out; let me know if you need any other measurements. StJohn & Bryony"

18 Mar 24'

Jane Earnshaw reviewed: Building and weaving a simple stool at The Quiet Workshop

"I'm writing this review sitting on the stool I made at The Quiet Workshop and I've got a big grin on my face. The teaching was perfectly pitched, the atmosphere really supportive and we got fed too! "

The Quiet Workshop responded:

"Jane, thank you so much for such a thoughtful review. It was a pleasure having you in the workshop, hearing about your extraordinary workshop build and benefitting from your skills and experience. You did a lovely job with the prep, joinery and finish on the stool and your weave was second-to-none. StJohn & Bryony"