12–17 August 2027 · 6 days / 5 nights
Matthew Harris is an internationally recognised textile artist whose practice moves fluidly between drawing and cloth. His work embraces imperfection, rhythm and narrative, often using improvisation and chance to disrupt and re-shape his compositions. As a tutor, Matthew fosters curiosity and openness, encouraging participants to immerse themselves in process and develop their own personal visual voice. His retreats are about creating fertile beginnings, leaving space for each maker to grow their work in unexpected ways.
from £3,250 · £500 deposit
CLOTH: New Possibilities in Textiles
The retreat
Adventures in drawing and making for textiles
“Play continues to be a big factor in my studio, because that’s how one allows oneself to move in directions which one could not have foreseen.” — Richard Serra
Matthew’s workshops focus on adventurous, playful ways to generate visual and tactile inspiration for textiles. You will explore processes such as drawing, painting, stencilling, collage, and more to create a library of visual material inspired by observation and Serra’s verb list.
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Drawing, mark-making and collage as a starting point- workshops with Matthew in the studio
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Translating paper studies into cloth through cutting, layering, stitching and repair
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Working with accident, play and experimentation in textile construction- workshops with Matthew in the studio
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Developing your own visual language through material exploration
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Shared discussions, reflective studio time, 1-1 guidance and inspiration from art history and/or exhibition visit
Booking options (all inc. VAT):
Own room with en suite – £3,900
Own room with shared bathroom (two bedrooms share) – £3,700
Shared room, both guests taking part – £3,250 per person (£500 deposit each)
Non-residential place – £1,500 (all six days, no accommodation)
Bringing a partner? Partners are very welcome to come along, even if they’re not taking part – please get in touch before booking and we’ll see if we can accommodate them.
Guests who have stayed with us before receive 10% off. A £500 non-refundable deposit secures your place; the balance is due three months before the retreat.
As a residential guest, expect delicious fresh food created by our wonderful chef Kirstie, as well as tea, coffee and more throughout the day, and the bar is open for you from 6pm.
Matthew Harris
Your tutor
Matthew Harris creates works in both paper and cloth, employing painting, cutting, and hand-stitching techniques. His improvisational process transforms observational drawings into layered, tactile textile pieces.
He has exhibited widely across the UK, Europe, the US, and Japan. His work is held in the Crafts Council Collection, the Whitworth Museum, the International Quilt Museum (Nebraska), and more. Notable projects include Scorched for the Bristol Beacon Concert Hall and Field Notes, a collaboration with composer Howard Skempton.
Matthew lives and works in Stroud, Gloucestershire.
From last year’s retreat
Photos and film from last year's retreat, to give you a feel for the week.
In their own words
Booking
Hold your place with a deposit today. Once we’ve confirmed the retreat is going ahead, we invoice the remaining balance directly — there’s nothing else to pay online.
Balance due by 12 May 2027
Reserve your place
12–17 August 2027 · 6 days / 5 nights
from £3,250£500 depositinc. VAT · 10% off for returning guests
Secure checkout through our shop. The balance is invoiced once the retreat is confirmed.
A question before you book? Get in touch.
Life at Court House Farm
Characterful bedrooms in the medieval and Tudor manor houses, each furnished with vintage finds and rich fabrics.
Resident chef Kirstie cooks seasonal, generous meals to bring everyone together at the end of each studio day.
Walled gardens, the orchard and quiet corners for sketching, reading or doing nothing at all between sessions.
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