As 9a Project Space at Robinwood Mill is too chilly in the winter for exhibitions or activities, we’ve decided to take things on the road! Come and join us for a series of free Winter Workshops at Cornholme & Portsmouth Old Library. Hosted by professional artists from the Calder Valley, the series of six workshops will be for residents of Cornholme, Lydgate & Portsmouth (recommended donations of £10 welcome if you come from further afield). From November 2026 to April 2027 there will be a monthly session including an introduction to botanical watercolours and drawing your own self portrait. Places are limited so make sure you book early to save a space.
Guaranteed a warm welcome, brew and creative challenge!
BOOK HERE!
• Relaxing, small group, maximum size 10 participants.
• Accessible, warm building
• Refreshments provided
• Materials provided
• No previous experience needed
• Under 18’s to be accompanied by an adult.
Sessions 1 & 2: Botanical Watercolours with Sarah Albon
Sarah Albon is a Botanical artist and Illustrator based in Todmorden. Working in watercolour, she creates highly detailed illustrations of plants. Sarah is an experienced teacher who has delivered workshops in galleries, museums and community settings. Materials provided.
Session 1: Monday 23 November 1-3pm
Autumn Colour: A Watercolour Workshop
This workshop for beginners will be an opportunity to connect with nature through art. You will be introduced to watercolour techniques used by botanical illustrators, explore colour mixing and layering washes of colour. We will be focusing on the rich autumn colour and form of fallen leaves to create your own watercolour studies. Materials provided.
Session 2: Monday 14 December 1-3pm
Winter Stems and Berries: A Watercolour Workshop
A watercolour workshop for beginners inspired by bright winter berries and the striking silhouettes of seed-heads and stems. We will experiment with a variety of mark-making techniques to describe structure and create depth. You will be introduced to watercolour techniques used by botanical illustrators to capture the three dimensional qualities of natural forms.
Sessions 3 & 4: Portraits. Key elements with Simon Manfield.
Simon Manfield is a visual artist based in Todmorden. His illustrative practice explores the process of drawing, focusing on figurative, representational imagery. He works collaboratively and has undertaken solo projects including Memoria Histórica, Orcadians: Seven Impromptus and St Kilda: Monuments and memory. His work is held in public and private collections internationally. He has taught drawing courses at the University of Bradford, the Open College of the Arts and Northlight Art School in Hebden Bridge.
Session 3: Thursday 14 January 1-3pm
Session 4: Thursday 11 February 1-3pm
Simon offers two introductory workshops (feel free to attend both). These are two-hour practical drawing workshop where participants will work towards producing a finished self-portrait. Instructions and feedback will be offered throughout the session.
The practice of making self-portraits has been a constant throughout the history of art. How well do we know ourselves? The shape of our faces, the length of our noses, our eyes, and ears; how do these elements all fit together so that they present a recognisable representation of ourselves? The concentrated process of drawing, of looking and of really observing, can be a fundamental aid in how we understand and hone our visual skills.
We will be working ‘live,’ observing directly from a mirrored reflection, while using charcoal or graphite on paper. Charcoal and graphite offer looseness and immediacy in the drawings you make, thus removing the temptation to work too tightly. The session will be appropriate for beginners as well as the more experienced. We hope for a lively and productive experience for all.
Sessions 5 & 6: Details TBC
March 2027
April 2027
The Winter Workshop programme has been made possible through support from Todmorden Wind Farm Community Fund and the Community Foundation for Calderdale.
