West Dean College

I have just spent a few days at West Dean College attending a course. I have done several courses at West Dean College and it is a favourite place of mine. It is situated just north of Chichester, part of a large estate, within the South Downs. It is such a beautiful place.

The college provides many short course in arts and crafts disciplines, amongst other things. It has the most amazing gardens, including a walled kitchen garden, and  numerous glasshouses and an arboretum.

Cold frame... oh to have a garden this organised!

Large fig tree in glasshouse

Also there is a beautiful long pergola with climbing plants (including many wisteria) twisting up the supports. The wisteria is just about to flower, maybe in 2-3 weeks. We hope to get back to visit when it does.

There is also a walled garden filled with espaliered fruit trees like this pear tree

This visit was for a course to improve my photoshop skills. Previously I have done courses in photography and textile manipulation. Below is an example of work from the course, my first attempt at using photoshop in a non photographic creative way....

original composition

line drawing

'photoshopped' drawing

I'm back there in August for a textile course. I can't wait.