The pieces you will create on this course are traditional to the woodland heritage of the Lake District.

All courses are held at the workshop on the Witherslack Estate, which is the largest ancient woodland in Cumbria. 

You will learn to select green Ash timber, sustainably felled in the surrounding woodland. You will then be taken through the process of splitting the logs using wedges and mallets to produce the material needed. 

Once this is done, using traditional hand tools, the froe, axe, drawknife and spokeshave, on a shave horse, you will create the components needed.

No previous experience is needed, and all levels of ability are welcome. 

  • The Workshop

Chair Making Courses

Stool Making Courses

Table Making Courses

Chair Making Courses.

6 Days
£500

The Chair you will make on this course is historically unique to the Lake District.
The spindles in the back and the design of the components make them distinct to this area.
You will learn to work green Ash timber and then be taken through the process of splitting the log to produce the material needed.
Once this is done, using traditional hand tools, you will create the components to make the chair.
The technique of steam bending will be taught in order to shape the back legs and the back rails before assembling the chair.
The final process you will learn is how to weave the seat.

2023 Chairmaking Course Dates:

10th - 15th April - FULLY BOOKED
11th - 16th September - FULLY BOOKED

Stool Making Course.

3 Days
£300

The techniques and processes for making a stool are very similar to chair making.
By its nature, it’s a smaller piece therefore simpler in its construction.
You will be using all the same tools and timber to create a useful, practical piece of furniture. This is a good introductory course in green woodworking and its techniques.

2023 Stool Making Course Dates:

10th - 12th May
12th - 14th June
17th - 19th July
14th - 16th August
18th - 20th September
9th - 11th October

If any of the above dates do not work for you, please feel free to contact me and I will do my best to accommodate you.

Table Making Course.

1 Day
£120

This one-day course enables you to learn all the traditional skills used to produce a useful and practical table. All the materials are sourced from the woodland on the estate, you’ll split the wood by hand and turn the legs and joints on the pole lathe. The final stage involves fitting and wedging the through-tenons on the legs. Our house is full of these handy tables, you can never have too many.

2023 Table-Making Course Dates:

6th May - FULLY BOOKED
9th May
16th June
17th June
21st July
22nd July - FULLY BOOKED
18th August
19th August
22nd September
23rd September
13th October
14th October

If any of the above dates do not work for you, please feel free to contact me and I will do my best to accommodate you.

Key Information.

  • Courses include all materials and tools.

  • The course number will be no larger than four.  

  • The course does not include accommodation, however, there are various options locally within the valley from camping, yurts, pubs and self-catering. A list of which can be sent over if requested. 

  • Please ensure you have transport to the Estate. There are good national train links to Kendal and buses and taxis to Witherslack. 

  • If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to be in touch.