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Itinerary & Excursion

Day One

6.30pm - 8.30pm

Welcome Reception

 

Students Joined us at our venue at Calf House Studios to register, receive their welcome pack and enjoyed their first taste of the Midsummer's Dream theme with food specially prepared by Chef Chris Gage. Chris took his inspiration from the locality and Retreat theme to create meals appropriate for the occasion. This was the students' first chance to meet their hosts and each other as well as enjoy a little light refreshment and drinks to get the show on the road.

Details Day by Day

Days Two & Three
10am - 5pm
Freya's Tears Amulet

Tracey Spurgin

 

Students joined Tracey to design and create their own version of the Freya's Tears Amulet; created and influenced by the Viking era and Norse mythology. Freya, goddess of love, had a weakness for the beauty of jewellery. This led to her betraying her husband to win favour with the makers of the most beautiful necklace she had ever seen.

It is said that Freya’s tears turned to amber. The Vikings were great tradesmen and craftsman, often trading in silver and amber and wearing it to show their wealth.

This apparently simple vessel hides an intricate construction of a spring loaded bayonet fitted lid. The piece is punctuated with a tiny amber stone.

The design of the piece is influenced by the shape of the Viking long ships and the ornamentation of the piece incorporates symbols and features associated with the Viking era such as the runes. And the dragon’s or serpent’s head bail echoes the features on the bow if the Viking long ships.

Day Four

10am - 3.30pm

Jorvik - Take a Step back in Time

 

Students joined us as we explored the wonderful historic city of York. There was so much to take inspiration from in this historic city. Students could walk the city walls or take a stroll up The Shambles (a narrow street that reminds you of life long ago).

The Jorvik Centre Museum is based underground and takes you on a short journey as you see, hear and smell your way through the streets of a Viking village. With great artefacts on display and knowledgeable staff dressed in Viking clothing, it was well worth a visit (entrance fee was included in the Retreat Registration Fee).

There’s so much more to York too with many attractions such as The National Railway Museum. Or students could choose just to shop or take afternoon tea in the very famous Betty’s Tea Rooms.

The day was really theirs to do as they pleased and we will met up at various points including a well earned lunch break.

This was a trip not to be missed and formed an important and integral part of the student projects' inspiration!!

NB: Students were expected to make their own transport arrangements. Lunch was included.

Day Five

5.30pm - 7.30pm

Evening Meal

 

Evening Dinner was prepared and served at the venue by Chef Chris uitlising the facilities in the Foreman's House. The meal including entree, side, beverage, and dessert.

All special dietary needs and food related allergies were reported upon booking.

Consumable materials for each workshop such as metal clay, etc. were purchased by the students from the supply list that was sent one month prior to registration and full payment. Clay could also be purchased from the venue during the retreat. As a special offer, Craftworx offered Art Clay Silver for the Retreat at 30% discount off recommended (UK) retail price.​

Day Two

5.30pm - 7.30pm

Evening Meal

 

Evening Dinner was prepared and served at the venue by Chef Chris uitlising the facilities in the Foreman's House. The meal including entree, side, beverage, and dessert.

Days Five & Six

10am - 5pm
Jorvik Viking Purse

Holly Gage

 

Students Joined Holly to create a magnificent chain drawn string purse, inspired by the Viking history of York. The purse was a twist on the leather pouches carried during the Viking era.
Our warrior conquest started with students learning to make their own patterns and designs for the front and back panels using photo polymer plates. Then they learnt to make all-in-one "castle" knuckles and rivet a pin to secure it.
Next, they cut and punched soft supple sheep skin and attached it to form the clever purse bag. In the final step, a chain was threaded through the leather to make a functional purse.
So many skills, presented in a step-by-step manner for student success.

York Minster
Chis Gage Ruby Poached Pears
Chef Chris Sampling Viking Food
York
The Shambles & York Minster
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