Block printing retreat with
annika reed
21st- 26th September 2025
We are delighted to offer this retreat for those with a passion for textiles, print and design.
Unplug, Create, and Immerse Yourself in the Art of Block Printing
Put technology on pause and experience the joy that block printing can bring while staying in a breathtaking medieval manor. Join artist and educator Annika Reed for an immersive, hands-on retreat where you’ll carve and print your own repeat patterns, creating beautiful homewares in a truly inspiring setting.
Annika is an award-winning printmaker and designer, renowned for her limited-edition wallpapers and fabrics, crafted for those who love a life less ordinary. Her bold, story-rich designs are stocked in showrooms internationally, used by top interior designers, and available at Anthropologie. Her work has been featured in Country Living, Homes & Gardens, World of Interiors, and Elle Decoration, and she has hosted several sell-out workshops at OKA. Having studied her craft at the University of Brighton, Camberwell College of Art, and Shanghai University, she went on to teach at Dulwich College and Bath Spa University.
Yours is a home like no other, and in a world craving originality, what better way to bring wonder and joy to your space than by creating something with your own hands?
What’s Included?
Accommodation in a stunning medieval manor (1300sAD) or adjoining Tudor Manor house (1500sAD) the opportunity to stay in a beautifully renovated country house, steeped in history
Fully catered, chef prepared meals: breakfast, ‘elevensies’, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner with selected wines
Daily guided mindfulness sessions (optional)
Acupressure or massage treatments
Inspiring and engaging talks from History of Art professional
Flower Picking and Arranging in our beautiful flower garden
Fulfilling conversation with likeminded individuals
Visit to Brunels suspension bridge and/ or the nearby prettiest pier in England, as well as a nearby market or shopping facility.
opportunity to walk to the nearby estuary to see the stunning sunsets
Block Printing Day by Day
Day 1: Arrival, Inspiration & Drawing
Settle in, meet your fellow makers, and enjoy a warm welcome over delicious food.
A guided introduction to the history of Court House Farm and its surrounding gardens.
Spend the afternoon drawing and gathering inspiration from nature, architecture, and historical motifs.
Experiment with mark-making and different drawing techniques, designed for both beginners and experienced makers.
Day 2: Carving & Printing
Learn the fundamentals of pattern design and the power of repetition.
Develop your own unique print design and begin carving your lino block.
Once carved, start printing onto fabric, experimenting with colour, texture, and layout.
Day 3: Lampshade Making & Layered Print Techniques
Explore how block prints translate onto homewares. Print the fabric needed for a 30cm drum lampshade and assemble your custom piece to take home. Continue working on a reduction woodcut or white-line woodcut, layering colours and developing multi-step prints.
Day 4: Pattern Experimentation & Home Textiles
Try new approaches to pattern design and layout. Print onto tablecloths, cushions, or other textiles, experimenting with large-scale or multi-layered designs.
Wrap up the retreat with a group showcase of everyone’s creations, celebrating the journey from inspiration to finished piece.
This retreat is designed for all levels, from beginners to experienced makers, offering a deeply rewarding, hands-on creative escape in a setting that nurtures both craft and connection. ready to step away from the digital world and into a world of ink, pattern, and storytelling? Join us for an unforgettable block printing retreat.
A little about Court House Farm…
Which isn’t really a working farm at all! It’s more of a lovely cluster of charming historic buildings, the site originally dating from pre doomsday. The remaining Manor and smaller Manor are medieval and Tudor, dating from 1350, with some characterful outbuildings. (you may be making things in the cowshed- but no cows and clean!) we have 4 acres of land around the buildings with a little flower farm, and we are right in the heart of a small estuary sea-side town of Portishead in Somerset ( with a lovely little high street, Marina and stunning coastal walks and the most fabulous setting suns ). Do look at more information on the website and for photographs of the interiors and exteriors. During your stay, we will have some additional fun interludes and entertainment ( we must show you our neighbouring little seaside town called Clevedon- with the prettiest Pier in England ) and of course plenty of flowers!
FURTHER DETAILS
This is a 5-night residential retreat. ( 5 nights accommodation and full board).
The price is £2550 for single occupancy, own room with ensuite, £2350 for single occupancy own room sharing a bathroom, £1950 shared room (both attending the retreat booked together. Contact us if you would like a non-participating partner to attend).
If you are local and would like to attend the retreat on a day-only basis the cost is £990. This includes all materials, delicious chef-cooked lunch, talks and visits. (evening meal and accommodation are excluded) . Please contact Helen for further details or to book at: at.courthousefarm@gmail.comThe booking deposit is £500. ( please get in touch for other currency )
The balance will be due 6 weeks prior to the retreat. Payments can be made by Paypal or Bank Transfer( although we do charge for the Pay pal fees).
The Course Fees are non-refundable once paid, but of course, if we cancel for any reason all payments will be refunded, or mutually agreeable alternative dates offered.
If you are coming from abroad or feel you may want to spend a day on either side of the retreat for rest and relaxation, do, please discuss this with us.
If you have a question or need further details please contact us using the button below. Alternatively, secure your place by paying a deposit at the button below.
Payments are securely taken via Paypal. If you don’t have a Paypal account, just use the same link and checkout via debit/credit card. If possible, add a note on Paypal indicating your preference for room type, otherwise we will follow up once the deposit has been made - thank you.