Recommended woodwork schools in Canada & UK
Hello woodworkers! I have free time at the moment and want to use that to research fine woodworking schools, in particular schools that are in Canada and the UK.
I’m from the UK and I’m looking for a school that offers intensive 1 or 2 year courses. Prices I can afford are around CAN$35,000 or £20,000, hopefully that’s in the right ball park for these courses, if not please correct me on what is typical.
I’m interested in bespoke architectural woodwork, my current background is civil engineering and construction work, so if there are schools that focus on this area then I’d like to know. Otherwise I’m interested in fine furniture making courses that will give me the necessary skills to break me into a career of woodworking. After I have studied my intention is to find a job in a workshop rather than set my own business.
As a basis to my research I am using the ‘Woodworking Schools Directory’ (linked here: https://www.finewoodworking.com/2007/01/18/woodworking-schools-directory ) However, you can’t beat real life advice and anecdotes about the ‘best’ schools, any of which would be very much appreciated.
Thanks and wishing health to you all in these interesting times.
Replies
Rosewood School in Ontario has a great reputation. Garrett Hack used to teach there quite often, not sure if he still does. Are you currently in Canada? or just have connections here? There's also tons of good woodworking schools just over the border in the northeastern US.
Here in Nova Scotia the Nova Scotia Community College offers a heritage carpentry/woodworking course. I believe they do a lot of work on the old homes and furniture found throughout the province, but specifically around Lunenburg which is a UNESCO heritage site. The course is based out of the school down that way.
Thanks Eideann I'll check them out!
I'm a UK citizen, but after being in Australia and New Zealand for the last 2 years I'd like to see what Canada is like for another year or two. So if the opportunity to study abroad turned up then that'd kill two birds with one stone.
I've not considered the US yet. But perhaps I should, this is mainly because I have a feeling studying in the US tends to be more expensive than other countries, but I haven't checked that, so apologies if that's not correct. With that, I have heard the Centre for Furniture Craftmanship in Maine is first class.
As for what's available to me more locally here in rainy Britain I've been following these schools: Williams & Cleal furniture school, Waters & Acland, Chippendale international school of furniture design and Rowden Atelier Woodworking School. When the lockdown is over I'm planning to visit some of these to find out more about them.
The Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Maine is excellent. Unfortunately the American schools are all closed for the time being during this pandemic. I took the 3 month intensive with Tim Rousseau at the Maine school about 5 years ago. He's an outstanding teacher and is now teaching the 9 month class. I also follow the Williams & Cleal School on Instagram. The work that comes out of there is amazing. Consider looking at examples of student work from all of the schools to help you decide.
Thanks for the advice! That's rather handy to know about looking at the student's work, I'll do just that.
If you can manage some French language, our province offers a 2-3 year professional study, my brother graduated and spent his career in the wood transformation industry. https://www.ecolenationaledumeuble.ca/
I recently studied at a woodworking school in the UK and had a difficult time communicating through the pandemic. Make sure you check policies for refunds in case there is a second lockdown. Also, you can often find students on Instagram and most will be willing to chat with you about how they like their school. Best of luck!
I can add my recommendation to Rosewood Studio for classes. I was there on three different occasions (including two weeks with Garrett Hack). It was an excellent, top notch experience. They also attract some great teachers (and students) from all over. http://Www.rosewoodstudio.com
Waters and ackland in the uk is supposed to be an great school not sure of the costs though.
Not sure if you've moved on from this thread, but I took the fine woodworking program at Selkirk College in Nelson, BC, Canada. It was an excellent course. Honestly I would do it again just to have access to that shop! Too bad there isn't a second year..
I agree with you; their course is done for all 100%. I am so glad that I trained in their approach. I received one order from the client company that produces something like essays on global warming or others writing stuff like this https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/global-warming/. After making the first samples of their office wood furniture (based on techniques from the course) they decided to sign a contract with me for my woodworking services. I had an experience before, but their practices helped me get that contract.
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