24–29 September 2026 · 6 days / 5 nights
Past retreat
Floral Features and Beyond is a creative starting point—an invitation to explore still life arrangements both real and imagined, and to consider what lies beyond the frame, beyond the window.
Paper Collage Retreat
The retreat
Floral Features and Beyond is a creative starting point—an invitation to explore still life arrangements both real and imagined, and to consider what lies beyond the frame, beyond the window.
Over six days, Jacqui Mair will guide you into her world of collage by introducing her working practices, helping you to create expressive works that speak to your personal story. Together we’ll make printed papers, experiment with mark-making, and combine these with colour, composition, and found imagery to develop collages and simple artist books.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your artistic voice, this retreat is about unlocking creativity, letting go of self-doubt, and building confidence through playful exploration. By the end, you’ll leave with a body of work that is both personal and expansive: collages and artist books that move beyond traditional still life into new creative territory.
What you’ll do
• How to create your own collage papers using gelli plates, monoprinting, relief, and planographic techniques
• Ways to use colour, texture, and mark-making to build expressive compositions
• How to develop a personal subject matter that moves beyond traditional still life
• Simple methods for constructing artist books to house your collages
• The use of vintage ephemera and other materials to add depth and character to your work
• Confidence-building exercises to unlock creativity and encourage playful exploration
• Reflection and presentation, including photographing your work and sharing in a supportive group
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.
Jacqui Mair
Your tutor
Jacqui Mair is an accomplished collage artist, illustrator, and educator with a vibrant career spanning over three decades. A graduate of the Royal College of Art, her work has been exhibited internationally and published widely, including award-winning children’s books and long-standing collaborations with design companies like Roger la Borde.
Her practice has taken her across continents—from leading creative workshops with UNICEF and Save the Children, to teaching in the UK, USA, and France. Passionate about paper, storytelling, and colour, Jacqui now runs inspiring collage workshops and continues her creative practice from her studio in Southsea.
In their own words
Booking
This retreat has already taken place. Get in touch and we’ll let you know as soon as the next one is announced.
Reserve your place
24–29 September 2026 · 6 days / 5 nights
Past retreat
Register interest in the next oneA 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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