Ashem Crafts

For the 2009 courses send to Urchfont for their prospectus and ask to be added to their mailing list.

Participants can choose from 9 alternative chairs (see pictures below) either Windsor style, Shaker chairs or English ladder backs. The cost of the timber is not included within the course fee. Participants can, if they wish and after consultation with the tutor, provide their own good quality timber.

Jim’s double bow splat back Windsor (before finish and after)

I cannot thank you and Patricia enough for the help, interest and instruction you both provided at Urchfont. As you know I have dabbled in many handicraft areas during my life, but had never tried or even contemplated making a Windsor chair…..

Well, the course itself exceeded all expectations. The setting, the facilities, the other course participants and above all the help and guidance you and Patricia provided that resulted in me taking a chair back with me that our friends and visitors think is an article of beauty…. although we put in a lot of hours during the week, the whole experience was one of pure enjoyment and fun with the added prize of creating an elegant chair from sawn timber. It was certainly one of the most enjoyable weeks of my life, and if I can find room for another chair, I will definitely come again.

Jim, High Wycombe.

Harry with his stickback windsor

I want to thank you for all the assistance you gave me in making a chair I shall treasure always. Apart from showing me new techniques, what I found amazing were the numerous jigs and fixtures to allow us to carry out the complex drilling operations in a manner which would do credit to a production line…..I am sure that everyone on the course would agree with me that their efforts were in every case very satisfying.

Harry, Reading.

"Peter, Just a word to let you know how much I enjoyed learning to use new tools and different techniques. I liked your 'let them get on with it' style and am extremely happy with the result. Thanks again. Earl"

Dear Peter,
I just want to place on record my sincere thanks for organising and presenting such an excellent course at Urchfont Manor. I know you would be the first to acknowledge the part played by Patricia, and as such I want to include her in my appreciation of a great team!!! The course was brilliant; I enjoyed every minute, and learned such a lot. The food was pretty good too!

My chair is now complete, and I enclose a couple of photographs for your interest and information. I'm actually quite pleased with the way it worked out, but I'd be the first to admit that I couldn't have done it without all your help.
...
Kind Regards, Martyn (Wolverhampton).

Thank you so much for for such an interesting and instructive course. I know I thoroughly enjoyed it, as I am sure the others did. We all appreciated your and Patricia's patience and good humour and the long hours you put in to make the week such fun.
Sam Benrose (Somerset)

This course is for anyone interested in making either a Windsor style or English or American ladderback chair. With the use of Ashem rotary planes and allied equipment, each student should complete the component parts for a chair of their choice within the six day workshop. Everyone will have the use of the rounders and Ashem equipment. Each participant will have the opportunity to steam bend parts of their own individual chair using the windlass and forming jigs.

Choose the chair you would like to make from the selection at the top of the page.

Urchfont Manor is set in 10 acres of beautiful parkland in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside a few miles south of the historic market town of Devizes. The grounds include a walled garden, orchards, croquet lawns and magnificent mature trees. The manor lies on the edge of the picturesque village of Urchfont with its thatched cottages, duck pond and village greens - an oasis of calm.

Urchfont offers credit card facilities so bookings can be made between the hours of 11.00 & 16.00 on weekdays by calling 01380 840495.

About the Tutor

The course tutor, Peter Hindle, has been making and using rotary planes for over twenty five years. He has been involved in adult education and has been a craft teacher in schools and colleges for over thirty five years. He has demonstrated the techniques of making a Shaker chair and run workshops at the Shaker Art of Craftsmanship Exhibition at the Barbican Art Gallery in London. This will be the 10th year he has taken Shaker chair workshops in the USA and England.

Chairmaking Workshops with Rotary Planes at Urchfont Manor, Wiltshire

Make a Chair
with
Peter Hindle of Ashem Crafts

6 Day Course At Urchfont Manor Wiltshire

About the Tutor

Chairmaking Workshops with Rotary Planes at Urchfont Manor, Wiltshire

Make a Chair with Peter Hindle of Ashem Crafts

6 Day Course At Urchfont Manor Wiltshire

About the Tutor

Make a Chair
with
Peter Hindle of Ashem Crafts