London has so much to offer in terms of art and culture and the advantages of making time for creativity are manifold – so, what better time to try out the creative courses on offer than January?
Words Miriam Carey
Our favourite creative courses in London
London has a wealth of creative courses to explore, but social engagements and demanding jobs mean that finding the time to explore passions outside work can be tricky. However, the advantages of finding time for play and creativity are manyfold – self-expression, stress relief, confidence and problem-solving to name just a few. So, this year we made it our resolution to take advantage of the arts and culture on offer in London and take up a new hobby or learn a new skill. Read on for a our pick of the best to try now in London.
WEEKEND WORKSHOP
Print Club London
Established in 2007, Print Club London has grown over the years into a renowned screen printing house. The technique first appeared in China during the Song Dynasty and was popularised by Andy Warhol and other pop artists in the 1960s. Print club run creative courses in their Dalston studio throughout the year. You will learn how to screenprint your own design, and the whole process from digital image to pulling the squeegee.
POP-UP PAINTING
Paint Jam London
Paint Jam is for those wanting to get creative and have fun. They run pop-up workshops and events at impressive venues such as the Ace Hotel and Truman Brewery. Look out for the Valentine’s Day special, celebrating the lifelongg love affair of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
CERAMICS WORKSHOP
Turning Earth
Turning Earth, Walthamstow opened in March last year following the popularity of its sister studio in Hoxton. They run creative courses all year round which cover both hand-building technique and wheel throwing. They are suitable for both beginners and intermediate level, and give students plenty of individual attention. They also now offer a three-hour throwing class on Monday evenings, over 12 weeks, in both studios.
MAKE A SILVER RING
The Bricks London
Fancy trying your hand at silversmithing? This one’s for you. Here you will learn the basic tools and techniques – sizing, cutting, forming, soldering, annealing, filing, pre-finishing and polishing – before walking away with your own silver band ring at the end. This class is held once a month, on Monday evenings, 6.30-9.30pm. Check out the next one on February 5th.Â
FASHION ILLUSTRATION
Central Saint Martins
Central Saint Martins hold a range of evening, weekend, and short courses, ideal for those looking to progress their education, enhance their careers, develop a hobby, or try something new. Classes are taught in the same studios as full time and foundation students, by University of the Arts alumni and tutors. We love the idea of Fashion Illustration – book in advance for courses starting Easter.
LIFE DRAWING
Royal drawing school
The Royal Drawing School offers in-depth, quality tuition in drawing from observation. New this year are daytime and evening life drawing creative courses in which you will learn the intensive and imaginative aspects of drawing from a model, how to accurately represent the human body and how to develop your own individual response.
PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY
City Academy
A one-day Portrait Photography course at City Academy will help you understand candid, urban, posed and naturally lit portraiture. Guided by a professional photographer, you will learn how to add drama, mood and texture to your portraits while working with a model to develop your personal style. This course is the next step in mastering the key principles of digital photography. Experience is not essential, but a welcome advantage.
