Do you have a cane chair in need of some TLC? Want learn how to transform it back to its former handwoven glory? Even if you don’t have one to restore but you love this style of furniture, this is the workshop for you! Join Christine Addley, a chair seater skilled in this craft, who will get you hooked on this wonderful heritage craft.
The first evidence of caning chair seats and other woven panels in furniture in the UK, dates back to the 1600’s. Learn about the making and repair of panels with cane, using a traditional technique of weaving a single piece of cane through a series of holes around a panel to achieve a pattern, known as the 6-way pattern.
The aim of the course is to enable you to cane a simple chair to completion in two days and be guided by Christine through all the stages of the six-way standard pattern. The chair could be one that you own or one that is provided by the tutor. If it is one that you own, it would need to be stripped back to the frame which should be in sound condition and be a size that’s doable in the time. You should provide a photo well in advance of the course so that the tutor can assess its suitability. If you require a chair to be provided, you’ll need to let us know.
Please note there is a £10 materials charge for this workshop which is to cover the cost of caning materials. The cost of a chair if needed would be in addition and in the region of £15-£20.
Please click on the title below to see a list of items to bring if anything.
What to expect
Time at ArtisOn is designed to take you away from it all. We provide the environment, space and guidance you need to create. You can expect a warm welcome, skilled and friendly tutors plus the chance to meet like-minded people keen to share ideas. You can even leave us to clear up the mess! There will usually be two workshops going on and we encourage everyone to mingle and be nosey about what the other workshop is up to.
We encourage you to arrive at 9.30am. This will allow time to meet other participants over a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits before beginning workshops at 10am. There will be a mid-morning break for refreshments and a chance to talk over progress with others. Lunch is usually around 12:45 for about 45 mins – you can expect a delicious homemade 2 course lunch. There will be a further afternoon break with tea or coffee and cake. All food and refreshments are included in the price of your workshop.
The finish time given is a target. There is some flexibility depending on how your work is progressing. Depending on the tutor and the group, start times for day 2 can be flexible too.
We aim for your day to be a real treat. You could always learn a new skill in a shed or a draughty village hall with a curly sandwich, but we want you to have more fun than that! So we make sure we provide a day where you will be looked after, with good food, good company and great inspiration!
What you’ll need to bring with you
Bring a suitable chair or stool if you have one. The chair will need to be fully stripped and the wooden frame sound and ready start caning. We will contact you in advance of the workshop to provide a photo of you piece if you have one. Otherwise, a chair can be provided for you to work on and keep - costs are variable.
Wear clothes you don't mind messing up,
