Paper Collage retreat 12 - 17 June 2026
Floral Features and beyond: collage retreat with Jacqui Mair
Retreat Details
Dates: 12 - 17 June 2026
Duration: 6 days/ 5 nights
Tutor: Jacqui Mair
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
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.
Costs & Booking
Residential (5 nights, all inclusive)
Arrival: 2pm, Friday 12 June for afternoon tea and gather at 3pm for induction & studio session with Claire
Farewell: 11.30am, Wednesday 17 June
£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, Friday 12 June
Daily workshops: 9.30am – 4.30pm + talks
Farewell: 11.30am, Wednesday 17 June - 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 retreat, Jacqui will guide you through a journey of inspiration, experimentation, and making:
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
By the end of the retreat, you’ll have created a collection of unique collages and artist books that reflect your own ideas, colours, and stories.
about Court House farm
Our home for the retreat is the warm and welcoming Court House Farm and Gardens in Somerset. Steeped in history and filled with beauty, the four-acre site—with its historic barn, stables, outbuildings, and decorative gardens—offers an inspiring backdrop designed to awaken your senses and stir your creativity.
Each day unfolds in the light-filled Cow Shed studio, with seasonal food, fireside evenings, and space to rest, reflect, and connect with fellow makers. Guests often describe their time here as both nourishing and transformative.
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)
Workshop materials provided; after booking we will provide info on materials
About Jacqui Mair
Jacqui Mair is an internationally recognised collage artist and illustrator whose vibrant, expressive style has graced books, galleries, and private collections. She is known for her bold use of colour, rich textures, and playful layering of imagery.
As a tutor, Jacqui brings warmth, generosity, and encouragement, creating a studio atmosphere where experimentation is celebrated and individuality is valued. Her retreats invite participants to loosen up, trust the process, and discover the joy of collage as a personal form of storytelling.
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 Jacqui — you’ll be the first to hear when new dates are announced.