A wonderful opportunity to spend three days immersed in the world of mosaics at a beautiful Scottish eco estate. Learn how to make mosaics inspired by the natural world at Bamff House, a majestic Scottish mansion sitting at the southern edge of the Highlands.

Suitable for beginners and more advanced mosaic makers who want to try a new approach. Maximum number of participants: nine

Bamff House. Photo: @davemaric

Taking the natural world as her starting point, Helen Miles will lead a course that explores the ancient art of mosaics alongside patterns and forms found in nature.

During this three day mosaic retreat Helen will encourage her students to take inspiration from the countryside and wildlife that surround Bamff House; from the patterning of a bird’s feathers to tessellated stonework, patchworks of moss and lichen or perhaps a butterfly’s marking

Bamff is the perfect context for this mosaic retreat which will focus on using found and recycled materials including items which can easily be picked up on a country walk. Our studio will be a converted garage block on the estate farm while meals will be served in Bamff House, an historic family home.

Set in 1300 acres of beautiful, wooded landscape, enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the surrounding hills in your free time or relax in the family house which has been owned by the Ramsays since 1232.

Bamff is famous for its innovative beaver reintroduction programme and is now in the process of rewilding 450 acres of woods and fields, bringing a wealth of rare and threatened species of bird, insect and other fauna back to the area.

The retreat will begin when we gather for supper at Bamff House on Friday evening. The following morning we will enjoy a short walk through the woods and beaver wetlands, discussing the endless sources of inspiration for mosaics that nature provides.

The course will cover all aspects of mosaic making using the direct tile adhesive method. Working on flat surfaces, we will explore different materials, design ideas and cutting techniques as well as how to lay and finish your piece. A wide range of materials will be provided from pebbles and shells, to broken pottery, hardware, Scottish slate, beach glass, dried pine cones and heather stalks as well as a selection of other interesting items.

In addition to considering pattern in mosaics, we will be looking at texture, colour and contrast and the visual flow, or andamento, created by laying lines.

Helen Miles trained in classical mosaics in Greece, and now runs a thriving mosaic practice from her studio in Edinburgh. She is an experienced mosaic teacher who brings together students with diverse abilities and inspires enthusiasm in the process and pride in the results.

ACCOMMODATION:

Six characterful rooms at Bamff House which have hitherto been privately used by the Ramsay family. As you would expect with a house of this age, none of the rooms are ensuite but there are plenty of bathrooms and the maximum number of people sharing a bathroom is three.

Extra guests will be housed in the lovely Old Brewhouse, a two-bedroom former farm manager’s house in the heart of the estate which has a double room and a twin room, a wood burning stove and a cast iron bath.

GETTING THERE:

It feels remote, but Bamff is surprisingly close to many transport links. There is a main line train station at Perth (22 miles) and direct trains to and from London in Pitlochry (26 miles). Edinburgh Airport (63 miles) has good links to the rest of the UK and internationally. If you decide not to drive, then a collection service from Edinburgh, Perth or Pitlochry can be arranged at an extra cost.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

*Three days of full tuition, six hours a day. 9:30am to 12:30 noon and 2:30pm to 5:30pm.

*Three nights at Bamff House. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, May 27 to 30, 2022. Departure in the afternoon of Monday, May 30.

*Delicious homemade vegetarian food from Friday supper to Monday lunch. All meals served in Bamff’s dining room. Meals will consist of continental breakfasts, lunches of soup and sandwiches, and two-course suppers. All food is vegetarian and please let us know in advance if you have special dietary needs. Tea, coffee and snacks will be available throughout the day. Alcohol is not included but you are welcome to bring your own bottle/s.

*Mosaic materials, bases, fittings, adhesives, grouts and course notes.

*One-hour guided walk around the wetlands and estate on Day 1.

*Open access to the studio space and the morning room at Bamff throughout your stay.

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For bookings and further information please contact: bookings@bamff.co.uk

Office hours: 9am – 3pm Monday – Friday

(00 44) 1828 632992 Office