Past Events

Painting doesn’t always have to be done with brushes.  John Hoyland said ‘With abstract painting, the more controlled it is, the more superficial it seems. It has to be more raw’. This workshop explores experimental methods of applying paint, in order to describe form in a less controlled way, without being inhibited by the hand and the skills of the wrist. Learn how to use different objects including plants found in the gardens of Asthall Manor, can be used to paint with…

Join us on Wednesday afternoons during the exhibition, where an Asthall Manor gardener will lead a walk and talk around the gardens. Tickets for this event include admission. Please feel free to explore the exhibition before the walk starts. Book your ticket here

How much of the world do we really see? This workshop is about perception and creativity, and exploring how different types of visual signals can affect how we experience the world. Working from direct observation of the sculptures at on form, discover how drawing can tell us more about the objects we are looking at. All materials provided, except paper. (A4 sketchbook or heavy weight cartridge) Workshop price: £55 (includes entry to the exhibition)

Peter Cowdrey, who led walks around the Asthall grounds in 2018 and during our birdsong weekend in 2019, will be back with more insight into the secret meanings and musicality of birdsong. Book one of our three afternoon walks, or, for early risers, a dawn chorus walk on 3rd July at 4 am. Places are limited and booking includes admission to the exhibition. £5.00 from each ticket will be donated to Planet Birdsong Click here to book your ticket (which…

This oil painting workshop focusses on how to describe plants and sculptures in a three-dimensional way using highly contrasting light. Lighter areas can be exaggerated by artificially reducing the tonal pitch of the surrounding areas. In the image you can see how the very dark greens provide a strong contrast for the few lighter areas of sunlight on the sculpture. All materials provided except paper. (A4 sketchbook or heavy weight cartridge) Workshop Price: £85  (Includes entry to the exhibition)

Geology Tour led by Philip Powell and Nina Morgan, co-authors of The Geology of Oxford Gravestones.  Philip and Nina will take a closer look at the diverse stones used in the sculptures at on form. Expect to discover fossils, minerals and other clues to the ancient history of these stones. Philip is Honorary Associate Curator of the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, and Nina is a geologist and freelance science writer who uses geology, history and social history to make all branches of science…