LEARN TO PAINT DELFT TILES IN A WEEKEND

What are Delft tiles?
Delft, the widely-acknowledged ceramics capital of Holland, hardly needs an introduction. Not only famous for the production of pottery though, the huge variety of charmingly decorated single-décor ceramic tiles and decorative panels originating from Delft have been universally popular for centuries, with many of the classic tile designs dating from the 16th century. Delft tile designs and techniques can also be seen, over the centuries, to have had a major influence on the development of traditional styles in other countries famous for their tiles such as Portugal and Spain.

The blue and white colour way, using natural cobalt on tin-glaze, is probably the most widely known but other colour ways, using a range of soft, natural pigments including copper oxide (green) are also common.

What will the course cover?
Starting with blank, unglazed ceramic tiles, you will learn all the techniques you need to create single-décor tiles in the Delft tradition whilst taking in a brief history of this fascinating and enduringly fashionable craft.

Skills taught include, glazing, pricking out and transferring designs and the fairly exacting demands of painting onto raw glaze using the traditional natural pigments. A huge range of designs is available to choose from, many in the most recognisable blue created by cobalt on white tin-glaze, and some in a wider range of soft, natural colours which are also traditional.

What do I get to take home?
Everything you can paint! We confidently expect everyone – whatever their former experience and skill – to be able to finish one tile by the end of the first day. An overnight firing will mean you can take this with you when you leave. On the second day, you will be honing your new found skills. Work completed on Sunday can be collected later or we can have it carefully packed up and sent on to you for just the cost of postage and packing.

Bear in mind, a single, good-quality reproduction of an old Delft tile will cost you anything from around £25 each, so if you manage to finish more than six during the weekend you’re in the money! You may want to come to us with a particular project in mind. One tile makes a great teapot or casserole stand. Six is plenty for a basin
splash back. Manage a few more and - mixed with some plain glazed or corner-decorated tiles – you have enough for a charming fire surround, a stove back or even a small bathroom.

Who is this course suitable for?
Absolutely anyone who appreciates ceramic tiles and enjoys a challenge will enjoy this course. Numbers are strictly limited to allow for plenty of individual support. Once the basic techniques have been thoroughly explained, demonstrated and tried out step-by-step, individual help and tuition will be given as required.

Competent painters, with or without previous experience of painting onto raw glaze, may want to tackle some of the more complex designs and might be more ambitious about the number of tiles they decide to produce. We are also confident that complete beginners will take home something they can be proud of.

When does the course start and finish?
You will need to be here for 10.00am on Saturday morning. Overnight accommodation can be arranged for those travelling long distances.

With breaks for coffee, lunch and tea, we aim to down paintbrushes at or around 5.00pm on Saturday afternoon, allowing time to wind down and get ready for supper and a glass of wine or two (all included in the tuition charge). We hope very much that those not staying the night will also be able to join us.

On Sunday, the course begins again at 10.00am and wraps up at 4.00pm or shortly after to allow for long journeys home.

Where does it all happen?
You will be working at the Art on Tiles studio to the rear of our own home in Walberton – a charming South Downs village near Arundel. Barnham railway station and Arundel railway stations are just a few minutes away by taxi.

How much does it cost?
The fee for a weekend course is £135 to cover all tuition and materials plus tea, coffee, lunch on both days and supper on Saturday night. We can also arrange local B&B accommodation for you if you need it at an additional cost of £40 per night.

What happens when I book?
Once we have received your booking form and payment, we will send you confirmation that your place is reserved plus full details of where we are and how to get here. Please note carefully that we cannot reserve places on the course without having received payment and that – regretfully – we cannot offer a full reimbursement if you subsequently decide not to attend. Full details are on the booking form.

Click here to download a course booking form
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