Chair Making Workshops at The Workhouse

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The Workhouse
Tuesday 23 October - Thursday 25 October 
1 Day workshop £75
3 Day workshop £200

Chair Making Workshops at The Workhouse: Learn new skills and contribute to a lasting legacy.

The Workhouse is embarking on another journey of the Re-imagining project.

“Re-imagining The Workhouse is a conservation and visitor experience project. The aims are to reinforce and re-establish the role that this property should play in society today, making it even more relevant to the twenty first century.” Jan Overfield-Shaw, Creative and Community Officer at The Workhouse.              

The Workhouse can now offer an opportunity to help create the historic Windsor chairs as part of this project. Research, by The Workhouse volunteers, revealed that these particular chairs were made in 1840s North Nottinghamshire and used in workhouses around the country.

Chair making specialist, Peter Wood from Greenwood Days (offering woodland craft courses), is giving his expertise to take people through some key chair making skills, from the preparation of materials through cleaving, steam bending and turning on a pole lathe. An original chair made at the Gabbitas factory in Worksop, just up the road, will be used as a guide throughout the workshops.

The original chairs used ash for the spindles, legs, arms etc. and elm for the seat. Dutch elm disease has taken away the native elm so locally sourced ash will be used. Peter will be using ash from the National Trust Calke Abbey estate to create ten chairs for The Workhouse which will be on display for many years to come.

The workshops will take place from 23-25 October. People can choose to book a day workshop for £75.00 or take advantage of our special offer and book all 3 days for £200.

Last admissions one hour before closing or earlier if light levels are low.