Earth Pigment retreat 24th- 29th May 2026
Out of This Earth
Earth Pigments & Soya Milk on Cloth: A retreat with Clare Benn
Retreat Details
Dates: 24–29 May 2026
Duration: 6 days/ 5 nights
Tutor: Claire Benn
Venue: Court House Farm, Portishead BS20 6PU, UK
Experience level: Suitable for all levels
Small group for focused tuition and connection
Includes
5 nights’ accommodation, all meals and refreshments, expert tuition, inspiring talks, studio time, activities, and local visitsCost
From £1990 residential (see full pricing below)£990 Non-residential option available (see below)
about the retreat
Over six inspiring days, you’ll immerse yourself in the alchemy of earth and pigment, colour and cloth. Guided by expert teaching, you’ll discover how simple, natural processes can transform textiles into rich surfaces alive with texture, depth and story.
The Cow Shed Studio, a light-filled rural space, offers both the focus of a working studio and the ease of retreat. Here you’ll find time to experiment, share ideas, and let the surrounding gardens seep into your work.
By the end of the retreat, you’ll leave with more than a bundle of samples and techniques — you’ll carry a grounded, tactile knowledge of pigment and cloth, and a renewed sense of creative possibility.
Costs & Booking
Residential (5 nights, all inclusive)
Arrival: 2pm, Sunday 24 May for afternoon tea and gather at 3pm for induction & studio session with Claire
Farewell: 11.30am, Friday 29 May
£2,550 — Own ensuite room in the historic Manor
£2,350 — Own room, shared bathroom (2 sharing)
£1,990 — Shared twin room (price per guest)
£2,350 — Own ensuite in Court Lodge (Victorian house just across the road- we like to fill the manor first but if you’d like to take a room at the lodge let us know)
Reserve with a £500 non-refundable deposit - see our terms & conditions for details
we welcome non-participating guests to join us with a paying guest - price for room & food will be quoted on request
For those with longer to travel we offer additional nights without catering - price quoted on request
Non- residential option Join us with a 6- day pass - see below
Non-Residential — 6-Day Studio Pass
For those creatives who live locally and can travel to us daily we offer a 6-day pass. On-site parking available.
Venue: Court House Farm, Portishead BS20 6PU, UK
Cost: £990
Arrival: 2pm, Sunday 24 May
Daily workshops: 9.30am – 4.30pm + talks
Farewell: 11.30am, Friday 29 May - we would welcome you to join us for some time to reflect on the experience, share the work created and say farewells
Includes: all tuition & workshops, studio access, and lunches (excludes accommodation, bar and evening meal).
Reserve with a £250 non-refundable deposit - see our terms & conditions for details
What You’ll Learn
Across the week, Claire will guide you through a rich variety of processes for working with pigment and cloth. You’ll explore:
Making soya milk and thickened soya paste
Creating liquid and thickened soya paints (“soypig”)
Applying paint with brushes, rollers, thermofax screens, calligraphy tools, resists, mono printing, and more
Working on plain and pre-coloured cloth
Collecting and preparing your own earth pigments, alongside purchased pigments
Making pigment sticks and crayons
Using layering, post-sizing, curing, and considering whether to wash or not to wash
Introducing hand stitch before or after pigment application
By the end of the retreat, you’ll have a personal collection of unique cloths – versatile enough for embroidery, cushions, quilts, or to be enjoyed as artworks in their own right. Claire also provides a printed booklet to take home for future making
A full materials list and supplier recommendations will be sent after booking.
about court house farm
Court House Farm in Somerset is a place to rest, restore, and create. Our retreats combine expert tuition with the charm of a historic setting – from the walled gardens to the light-filled Cow Shed studio. Accommodation is in the 16th-century Manor House and Annex, offering comfort and character in equal measure. Guests often describe their time here as “a nourishing escape,” where creativity flows as freely as the conversation.
What’s Included
Tutor-led workshops and dedicated studio time to develop your practice
Morning mindful movement or gentle stretching sessions (optional)
Art history/ relevant talks for inspiration
Access to Court House Farm’s gardens, grounds, and communal spaces
Local excursions, seasonal walks, or gallery visits
All meals and refreshments by our wonderful retreat Chef & team
(residential/ day guests join us for Lunch & refreshments)Accommodation in the Historic Manor House or Court Lodge (residential)
Basic workshop materials provided; full list sent after booking
about Claire
Claire Benn is a textile tutor who works with “quiet materials” — cloth, natural pigments and stitch — helping students explore a sense of place through process-led, contemplative making. Her teaching encourages creativity, reflection, and personal expression. Claire will be joining Court House Farm as a retreat tutor.
Find out more at clairebenn.com.
Love the sound of this retreat but can’t make the dates? Let us know, and we’ll add you to our interest list for future retreats with Claire — you’ll be the first to hear when new dates are announced.