Short Courses
The BBA Furniture School runs a popular programme of 2-to-5-day short courses in woodworking aimed at all skill levels, whether for beginners or the more experienced. We also run courses in marquetry, antique furniture restoration and bench making.
Antique Furniture Restoration
5 days
Learn how to restore and repair antique furniture, reviving original patination and finishes. Guided by master restorer Christopher Booth you will reduce furniture to component parts, clean and repair joints and match veneers, stringing and timber for colour and quality and revive brassware and other decorations. You may work on a piece of your own furniture; please submit photographs in advance of the course.
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Introduction to Woodworking
2 days
An absolute beginner’s introduction to hand tools and materials used by boat builders and furniture makers. This is a practical course with some very simple bench work.
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Woodworking Skills 1
5 days
Set solid foundations in tool sharpening and maintenance, wood selection and preparation. Make basic joints including halvings, bridle and mortise & tenons. An intensive course for beginners as well as those with a little experience. You have the opportunity to make your own bespoke picture frame to take away.
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Woodworking Skills 2
5 days
Through and lapped dovetail joints demystified. Learn the setting out and cutting of handmade dovetails. You will make a simple dovetailed box with sliding lid to take away.
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Woodworking Skills 3
5 days
Develop your making skills and produce a wine table with laminated legs and mortise & tenoned frame. The top is profile routed on the router table and dowelled to the legs. Previous woodworking experience an advantage.
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Green Wood Chair Making
5 days
Learn how to make an elegant chair from unseasoned wood using hand tools and a few simple power tools.
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Bench Making
5 day
An absolute beginner’s introduction to hand tools and materials used by boat builders and furniture makers. This is a practical course with some very simple bench work.
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Marquetry
5 Days
Make simple motifs before progressing to more complex designs. You will also learn parquetry, shading and finishing techniques.
More InformationOur flagship 40 week Boat Building course teaches men and women how to build boats to industry standards.
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