Rowden Atelier Woodworking School - Beaworthy

Taylor

Amazing experience! I took a weekend course to build a small box, and learned so much. Ed was an excellent instructor: patient, detailed and encouraging. I learned so many new skills that I can't wait to put to use in future projects.

The school's setting in Devon is beautiful and peaceful as well, a great getaway from the bustle of the city.

Also shout-out to Sarah who was immeasurably helpful when I had to reschedule.

alan B.

I attended the one week course some years ago now (2017) and I'm writing this review now because I realise it was probably the best woodworking course I have been on. It taught me the skills I needed to apply to my own projects, in a practical way which concentrated on getting the details right - accuracy, precision work with hand tools and that there is no such thing as "good enough". I keep finding things I learned on this course surfacing as I approach a new project, whether that be the use of the marking knife rather than the pencil, or the small tool maker's square (checked for accuracy) rather than usual hardwood try-square or simply how to plane a surface flat and square.
While there it was amazing to see the work of other students on longer courses, for its variety and quality and there were talks during the day on a variety of topics. Indeed one of the more advanced students on the year course stopped and helped with some hints on how to hold my chisel for more accurate results.

carrie F.

I had a really great weekend, I thoroughly enjoyed the box making course, who'd have thought I would be able to make something that looks so beautiful in such a short amount of time - not me for sure! And I was totally immersed in what I was doing, a truly perfect way to relax.
Ed was an extremely good tutor, very patient and encouraging, making very clear instructions as we went along.

Thanks very much, I am inspired and have the confidence to continue woodworking and to make the most of the beautiful tools that my father left behind.

Rory C.

I completed the 12 months course at Rowden and had a brilliant year - I learned a huge amount in that short space of time and that is really testament to the quality of teaching. The course has given me the confidence to now undertake a career change to pursue a career as a cabinet maker, and having Rowden on my CV was certainly helpful when it came to finding employment. I met some great people at the school and the opportunity to live in North Devon was a lot of fun.

Philip B.

Just back from completing the one-week course at Rowden. The whole experience was brilliant from start to finish. Beforehand Sarah and Matt answered all my questions and were super efficient getting everything set up, helping with advice and accommodation questions. The course itself focused on developing fundamental skills for accurate woodwork. Our tutor Jonathan was patient, challenging and a great teacher. He had loads of advice and experience and was happy to answer our many questions about a career in fine furniture. I was really pleased with what I achieved at the end of the week. It was good to get the opportunity to chat to the students on the longer courses.

I really can't think of any downsides, if I was been really picky then Rowden is fairly rural making a car a necessity (or a long bike ride). That said, part of the appeal is how nice and rural that part of Devon is.

I am sure I will be back at Rowden in the future.

ross D.

Last month. Did the one week course.
As a carpenter who keeps trying to improve my skill set, you are always learning and the one week course at Rowden was no different. Even if you have a lot of experience or none at all, you can learn a lot. Trying to save for the 12 month course!🤞

Mark W.

An excellent , absorbing weekend course , so much expertise shared by Ed the course tutor. If you're interested in fine woodwork then I'd highly recommend
Mark

Joan G.

I treasure my experiences during the month-long course at Rowden, from the camaraderie of our diverse cohort, to the patient and excellent instruction from Christian, to the sharing of professional knowledge from Ed and Darrin during the daily Dimbleby's. It was like being enrolled in multiple courses, giving us access to information that would expand our basic skills and entice us into exploring the artistry of woodworking.