Led by Kayleigh Robinson.

Norden Farm's Crafternoons are relaxed crafting sessions for older people.

Get crafty with a range of activities, or bring along your own projects to work on with support from tutor Kayleigh Robinson.

You can learn new skills, meet new people and try something new, a cup of tea is included with the ticket price. If you are unable to attend in person you can log on from home to chat and join in the session.

Wed 14 Sept Polymer Clay Beads
Wed 21 Sept Macramé
Wed 28 Sept Felting
Wed 5 Oct Autumn Wreath
Wed 12 Oct Embroidery
Wed 19 Oct Plant Pot
Wed 26 Oct Ceramic Pumpkin
Wed 2 Nov Petal/Leaf Jar
Wed 9 Nov Bird Feeder
Wed 16 Nov Canvas Painting
Wed 23 Nov Marbled Vases
Wed 30 Nov Christmas Card
Wed 7 Dec Christmas Wreath
Wed 14 Dec Christmas Ornament
Wed 21 Dec Snow Globe

Social Arts Crafternoons is a partially funded project run by Norden Farm with support from The Berkshire Community Foundation.

Suitable for ages 60+ years.
Wed 22 Jun - 24 Aug, Wed 7 Sept – 21 Dec
2pm - 3pm
£5 per session, including a cup of tea

These are blended sessions, where you can take part in person at Norden Farm or online via Zoom.

If you need transport to Norden Farm for this session please contact Jess Thompson at jess.thompson@nordenfarm.org / 01628 682563 to talk through your requirements.

•   5 Oct from £5
•  12 Oct from £5
• 10 more dates...

In this exhibition Maidenhead painter John Percy brings together many smaller works made over a long period and not previously seen together.

His abstract work explores process from various starting points, the choices available, decisions made, chance events, the sensitive dependence on initial conditions and the precarious balance necessary between order and disorder in the modern world.

His paintings are not pictures of something. They are works that are enigmatic, contemplative objects, carrying a certain poetic power and, at the same time, something that is a statement of personal ideals and an expression of his sense of beauty in the apparent chaos around us.

There will be a Meet the Artist session on Saturday 10 September and a one day Open Studio at his home studio in Maidenhead on Sunday 11 September.

Norden Farm Gallery

Thursday 8 September - Saturday 15 October

5pm - 10pm

Entry is Free

•   5 Oct FREE
•   6 Oct FREE
• 7 more dates...

Led by Sophie Keaveney

Do you like to crochet or knit? Join us for a relaxed and creative get together over a drink of your choice.

Suitable for those with experience of crochet / knitting.

Please bring your own project along. Some spare needles and wool will be available.

This class will take place both in person and online via Zoom.

If you are taking part online, you will find the link to access the session in your booking confirmation email

Wed 10 Aug, 7 Sept, 5 Oct, 2 Nov, 7 Dec
7pm – 8.30pm
£6 including a drink from the bar | £3 online

Please prepare for your visit by reading our latest Visitor Information here. This includes important information about face coverings and measures we have implemented to keep everyone safe when visiting Norden Farm.

•   5 Oct from £3
•   2 Nov from £3
• 1 more dates...

Led by Helen Ridley

We are delighted to offer our brand new drawing and painting class this Autumn - the Studio Art Club.

Every two weeks on Thursday from 11am - 2pm you will join local artist Helen Ridley to explore your inner artist.

Helen will demonstrate a range of techniques and materials, from watercolour and gouache to pencils and pastels.

Each session will explore a different theme with a range of references to choose from, giving you the opportunity to explore and experiment.

The Studio is open to all abilities and you will need to bring your own materials, please see details listed below:

Materials
● Watercolour paints
● Watercolour brushes
● Gouache paints
● Coloured pencils
● Coloured Pastels
● Watercolour paper
● Sketchbook to plan compositions and colour palettes

Mixed media paper will be available

The Studio Art Club runs from Thur 8 Sept every 2 weeks on the dates below.

Thur 8 Sept, 22 Sept, 6 Oct, 20 Oct, 3 Nov, 17 Nov
11am - 2pm
£25 per session | £120 per 6 week term

•   6 Oct from £25
•  20 Oct from £25
• 2 more dates...

Led by Helen D Evans

The intention is to spend 3 weeks creating a series of hand formed work out of clay and spend the final week decorating your work with underglazes. Your work will then be clear glazed, fired and then collected from Norden Farm.

We will be trying out a different technique each week and hope to have at least 3 pieces of work by the end of the course.

An outline of the 4 week course:
Week 1: An introduction to the basics of Pinch Pots and attaching coils
Week 2: Using coils for decoration
Week 3: Upside down coiling
Week 4: Decorating your work with Underglazes

The price includes: Clay, use of tools, Underglazes and Glazes and firing work. All work will be fired to Earthenware.

You may want to bring with you:
A cloth to wipe your hands on
An apron
Any clay tools you may have

After the course.
Norden Farm will notify you regarding the collection of your work

Fri 7 Oct - Fri 28 Oct
11am - 1pm
£96 per 4 week course

•   7 Oct from £96
•  14 Oct
• 2 more dates...

Led by Jo Hall

Bring a photo reference from a holiday by the sea or of the countryside and complete two or three small paintings in watercolour; these may be as small as three by four inches up to about five by seven inches or similar square formats.

This really hones your skills in composition and simplifying subject matter.

Materials - please bring the following
Watercolours pan or tube, brushes, palette, water pots, paper towel, small sponge, pencil
Drawing board, block of wood about 2 x 2 x 6 inches to tilt the board (may be better than a table easel for this workshop), masking tape
Watercolour paper - hot or cold pressed surface and about 300gsm, or small Khadi paper.
If you are bringing quarter size watercolour paper or A3 please bring a 12 inch ruler to mark out the painting areas.
There is no need to purchase small papers especially for the workshop.

Some paper will be available at cost from the tutor including some handmade Indian paper (Khadi).

Additional photo reference will also be available.

Sat 8 Oct
11am - 4pm
£40

•   8 Oct from £40

Led by Jo Hall

Exciting textures can be made when charcoal and ink are used together. Taking inspiration for subject matter from sheds, derelicts and ancient sites, we’ll add watercolour into the mix and explore granulation and other texturing techniques including the use of sea salt and bubble wrap. An element of collage may be included for additional interest.

Please bring the following materials:
Charcoal, India Ink, pen, watercolour brushes, watercolour paints and palette
Cold pressed watercolour paper weight 300gsm or heavier, cartridge paper or sketchbook
Drawing board, block to tilt the board or table easel
Water pots, masking tape or clips to hold paper, paper towel
Small natural sponge if you have one

Reference will be provided for week 1.

Some paper will be available from the tutor at cost.

Tues 6 Sept - 18 Oct(exc 4 Oct)
12.30pm - 3.30pm
£120 per 6 week course

•  11 Oct
•  18 Oct

Led by Eiko Ishida

This workshop is perfect for those who are interested in trying something new and learning traditional Japanese art. Let's spend meditative and self-expressive artsy afternoon together!

During this workshop, we will go over the basics of Japanese calligraphy, including:
How to hold and control the brush
The structure and meaning of Japanese characters
Basic brush techniques
Expressing yourself with the brush and ink
Everybody is welcome – no calligraphy experience or Japanese language skills are necessary

Wed 12 Oct
10am - 1pm
£48

•  12 Oct from £48

Led by Helen D Evans

During the workshop you will be given a demonstration on making a bust of an animal or pet using a paper armature. From this you will develop your own armature and apply clay to it using slabs of clay.

This workshop is suitable for all abilities.

Cost includes clay, use of materials and x 2 firings and application of a clear glaze.

Individuals can arrange a separate session with the tutor if they would like to hand paint their work. Work will be fired to Earthenware.

Sat 15 Oct
11am - 4pm
£65 including materials

Please bring with you:
It is essential that you bring photos or drawings of your chosen animal or pet with you
An apron
Any Pottery tools you may have
Sketchbook
Pens / Pencils

•  15 Oct from £65

We are delighted to present the third Maidenhead Schools: Art, Design and Photography Exhibition showcasing the work made by the students from Maidenhead schools.

The exhibition will show a wealth of talent in a range of mediums including paint, textiles and digital media. The exhibition aims to unite Maidenhead schools and colleges by celebrating the creativity and talent of our local students.

Current artwork will include work by students from Altwood CofE School, BCA and Desborough College. To register your schools' interest in our 2022 exhibition, please contact Kayleigh at kayleigh.robinson@nordenfarm.org

This exhibition is part of Farm Out, the flagship Norden Farm Arts Programme for schools funded by the Spoore, Merry and Rixman Foundation.

Artwork Credit: Gurleen Johal, BCA

Tues 18 Oct - Sat 5 Nov 5pm - 10pm

Free Entry

•  18 Oct FREE
•  19 Oct FREE
• 12 more dates...

Led by Kim Wright

This floral design course is for those who are new to floral design as well as those with some experience. I will guide the learners with demonstrations followed by practical work which will give them the confidence to develop their own floral designs each week. They will be shown how to prepare flowers and foliage, how to create gifts and how to decorate a party, home or just for a pleasure.

Additional Information

Please note that the materials are not provided. Learners will need to bring their own Floristry materials such as flowers, foliage, scissors, containers and some other materials each session to be able to create their own floral design. I will advise them each month.

Wed 14 Sept 11am - 1pm
Wed 19 Oct 7pm - 9pm
Wed 16 Nov 11am - 1pm
Wed 14 Dec 7pm - 9pm

£32 per session

•  19 Oct from £32
•  16 Nov from £32
• 1 more dates...

Led by Aliona Borysenko

Welcome to the world of embroidery!

This jewellery embroidery workshop is for beginners who are new to embroidery with different materials, as well as those with some experience in embroidery with threads.

During the workshop you will practice different embroidery techniques, which will give you the confidence to create and your own embroidery designs.

In the September and October workshop's we will create bumblebee embroidery using different materials and techniques.

You will be shown how to embroider with materials such as: beads, crystals, sequins, chenille, metallic threads, bugles and other materials. You may choose to decorate your clothes and your children's clothes with the embroidery you create, or you may choose to complete your embroidery into a brooch.

Sat 24 Sept and Sat 22 Oct
11am - 4pm
£70 per workshop

Materials and instruments for one bumblebee will be provided. Participants are very welcome to bring their clothes or that they would like to decorate with.

About Aliona Borysenko:
Aliona came from Ukraine where she taught at a leading Jewellery Design School. She began sharing her knowledges in workshops and courses 12 years ago. Whilst in Ukraine, she has worked with Swarovski and Preciosa and has created designs for the likes of Coca Cola, Schwarzkopf, L’Oréal and Windows to name a few. Aliona is exited to offer embroidery workshops for beginners at Norden Farm. She also works within schools and runs workshops for children.

•  22 Oct from £70

Led by Jo Hall

Many artists have taken inspiration from windows and views through them. This course will reference some of these, providing ideas for your own compositions. Reference material will be provided by the tutor and you will also be encouraged to work from your own sketches or photos.

Please bring drawing materials and either pastels or watercolours as outlined in the information below:
Watercolour paints, brushes, palette and water potsor pastels
Watercolour (cold pressed, 300gsm) or pastel paper (at least A3 size)
Cartridge paper or sketchbook
Table easel (best for pastel) or block to tilt board will be fine for watercolour
Drawing board, paper towel, tape or clips to attach paper
Some paper will be available from the tutor

Reference for the first week will be supplied and you will be encouraged to bring your own for subsequent weeks. It is always best to work from your own sketches and photos.

Tues Oct 25 - Nov 29
12.30pm - 3.30pm
£120 per 6 week course

•  25 Oct from £120
•   1 Nov
• 4 more dates...

Led by Amanda Schenk

Amanda Schenk is the visual artist behind Norden Farm's much-loved (and Instagrammed) glass corridor artwork in the school holidays. Join Amanda for this new drawing course, aimed at helping to create a sense of calm and relaxation through drawing patterns.

Suitable for all abilities, the workshops will focus on building confidence in your drawing abilities - concentrating on the soothing journey of the drawing experience, rather than the finished drawing.

In each session you'll explore how to produce different types of patterns in abstract drawings - looking at different designs each week.

You will need: paper (plain, no smaller than A5), lead pencil, eraser, sharpener, black fine liner or a pen. Optional is a black marker.

Tues 6 Sept, 4 Oct, 1 Nov, 6 Dec
7.30pm - 8.45pm (online only)
£8 per class | £28 per 4 week course | £21 per 3 week course
Suitable for ages 18+ years

Please prepare for your visit by reading our latest Visitor Information here. This includes important information about face coverings and measures we have implemented to keep everyone safe when visiting Norden Farm.

•   1 Nov from £8
•   6 Dec from £8

Led by Mick McNicholas

Learn about the stages of portraiture, drawing with charcoal from a live model.

Suitable for all levels of experience.

Suitable for 18+ years

Sat 17 Sept and 5 Nov
11am – 4pm
£34

•   5 Nov from £34

Join us for our outdoor markets – held in the Linhay barns and car park.

Browse stalls selling artisanal produce and hand crafted goods. The Café Bar will be open serving lunch (until 3pm), drinks and snacks. The perfect way to do some relaxed shopping on a Saturday afternoon!

Sat 1 Oct, 5 Nov and Sat 26 Nov

12pm - 4pm

Entry is FREE

Sat 1 Oct Stallholders include: ArtAble, NoMothsAllowed, KaNa Homecooked, Jeong Cook, Como en Casa Ltd, Teasel Chocolates, Marmalove, Sew Caroline, Rapture, Rhi Design Craft, Karen Spencer Artist, Fire Fairy Art, Little Crafty Mind, The Rolling Coconut, Amoracandlesuk, Of Books & Hooks, Bakedbyluz, Bright as a Button Jewellery, Pixie Tiger Art, and Rocks and Key.

•   5 Nov FREE
•  26 Nov FREE
• 1 more dates...

Led by Eiko Ishida

Autumn is for the Arts in Japan. The beautiful changing leaves are said to serve as an inspiration to artists in Japan, and it is a great time to try new art as a beginner. You will learn and practice basic Japanese calligraphy skills, meditative calligraphy processes and finding the balance between the mind and body.

In this workshop you will be shown the basic principles of writing Japanese characters; using the traditional Japanese materials of a brush, ink and Japanese paper. You will be guided how to create your first brush strokes and how to build on these basic steps to create some lovely Japanese characters symbolising the turn of the seasons.

Please wear dark colours or old clothes (or wear an apron) as occasionally ink can spill or spread.

Materials of a brush (on loan), ink and some Japanese paper will be supplied, however you will need some extra paper to practice on; absorbent paper is best such as newspaper or sugar paper.

Thur 10 Nov 11am - 2pm
£48

•  10 Nov from £48

Led by Helen D Evans

During the workshop you will be given the opportunity to make a dinner plate, side plate, bowl and a cup or mug using various hand building techniques.

You will explore surface decoration by embellishing your work with a design to produce a unique hand made dinner set.

Cost includes clay, use of materials and x 2 firings and application of a clear glaze. Work will be fired to Earthenware.

This workshop is suitable for all abilities.

Sat 12 Nov
11am - 4pm
£65 including materials

Please bring with you:
An apron
Any Pottery tools you may have
Sketchbook for ideas / with ideas
Pens / Pencils

•  12 Nov from £65

Led by Jo Hall

Working with chunky drawing materials graphite, charcoal or tinted versions of these, draw a tree or group of trees on white or toned A2 paper, or larger.

You may also work in earth colours of conte crayon and bring less chunky versions of the same materials for finishing touches or texture details.

Photo reference will be provided or bring your own.

Materials - please bring the following:
White cartridge paper or toned paper suitable for pastel - A2 would be ideal
Drawing board, clips or tape to hold paper
Any of the following (a great opportunity to use chunky tinted charcoal or tinted graphite blocks): Charcoal, graphite sticks, chunky coloured graphite, chunky tinted charcoal, conte crayon in black, sepia or sanguine, white chalk if using toned or black paper. You don’t need them all, just bring what you have. You may bring smaller sticks or pencil forms of any of the above for fine detail.
Paper towel, blending tools (stumps, torchons etc useful but not essential)

White A2 cartridge paper will be available at cost.

Some chunky materials will be available for you to try at the session.

Sat 19 Nov
11am - 4pm
£40

•  19 Nov from £40

Our popular Artisan Fairs return this festive season.

Festive Market

Sat 26 Nov 12pm – 4pm

Winter Night Market

Fri 2 Dec 6pm – 9pm

The perfect opportunity to browse for unique presents as local artisan stallholders showcase their handmade wears. Enjoy all your favourite festive snacks and beverages together with a well stocked bar featuring craft ales, mulled wine and a full food menu.

Your Christmas shopping just got a whole load more fun!

Free Entry

•  26 Nov FREE
•   2 Dec FREE

Led by Mick McNicholas

Explore the complexities of the human form by working from a professional life model. With a variety of short and long poses. Learn both traditional charcoal drawing methods and new experimental techniques.

Half day sessions comprise of a variety of short and long poses.

Any mediums can be used in these sessions. Materials will be provided, although participants are very welcome to bring their own if you have something you like to work with.

Sat 1 Oct and 3 Dec
11am - 2pm
£25 per session

Suitable for 18+ years

•   3 Dec from £25

Led by Eiko Ishida

Before heading to the party, come and learn the art of Japanese calligraphy this holiday season - you can use those new-found skills to create handwritten holiday messages that can be given as or cards with an origami Christmas tree for decoration.

In this workshop you will be shown the basic principles of writing Japanese characters; using the traditional Japanese materials of a brush, ink and Japanese paper. You will be guided how to create your first brush strokes and how to build on these basic steps to create some lovely Japanese characters symbolising the turn of the seasons.

Please wear dark colours or old clothes (or wear an apron) as occasionally ink can spill or spread.

Materials of a brush (on loan), ink and some Japanese paper will be supplied, however you will need some extra paper to practice on; absorbent paper is best such as newspaper or sugar paper.

Wed 7 Dec
10am - 1pm
£48

•   7 Dec from £48

Led by Jo Hall

Paint a blackbird or a cheeky robin or other small bird on white or tinted paper.

Gouache is particularly useful for working on coloured papers but watercolour and a tube of permanent white gouache will work just as well.

We will be painting on paper as small as three by four inches up to about five by seven inches or similar size square formats.

Some photo reference will be provided or bring your own.

Please bring the following
Watercolours pan or tube, brushes, palette, water pots, paper towel, small sponge, pencil
Drawing board, block of wood about 2 x 2 x 6 inches to tilt the board (may be better than a table easel for this workshop), masking tape
Watercolour paper - hot or cold pressed surface and about 300gsm, or small Khadi paper
If you are bringing quarter size watercolour paper or A3 please bring a 12 inch ruler to mark out the painting areas.
There is no need to purchase small papers especially for the workshop.
Spare paper or small sketchbook for composition sketches

Some paper will be available at cost from the tutor including some handmade Indian paper (Khadi). Additional photo reference will also be available.

Sat 10 Dec
11am - 4pm
£40

•  10 Dec from £40

Maidenhead’s Community Lantern Parade is BACK!  

The Carnival of the Animals Lantern Parade will be held on Saturday 10 December featuring live music and entertainment as we light up the night in Maidenhead. The Parade is a celebration of community and the arts and encourages local people to get together, creating fantastic artworks, dancing and parading their fabulous creations through Maidenhead town centre. This year the parade will take a new route to celebrate the new Riverside Quarter.

Norden Farm will once again team up with SameSky, an award-winning community arts charity who have been creating fantastic lanterns, costumes and community events since 1987.

Get involved at one of our Lantern Making Workshops, running throughout November and December. Our expert lantern makers will guide you through the process to create your own lantern to illuminate at the parade.  

Lantern Making Workshops  

Our public workshops are held at Norden Farm. Across 2 hours weave an intricate animal-inspired willow frame before covering and decorating your creation. covering and decorating. Suitable for 6+ years, pre-booking essential.

Sat 19 Nov | 10.30am – 12.30pm and 2pm – 4pm | Suitable for 6+ years | £7 per person

Sat 26 Nov | 10.30am – 12.30pm and 2pm – 4pm | Suitable for 6+ years | £7 per person

Sat 3 Dec | 10.30am – 12.30pm and 2pm – 4pm | Adult sessions 17+ years | £17.50 per person

There will be lantern making sessions at Maidenhead Library on 10 December, timings tbc.

Norden Farm are also working with local schools and community groups to ensure that the community as a whole is represented and involved in this fantastic event.

•  10 Dec FREE