DATE TBC- Paper Mache Sculpture Retreat - Jim Pilston
Creatures, Characters & Curiosities
Retreat Details
Dates: TBC
Duration: 6 days/ 5 nights
Tutor: Jim Pilston
Hosts: Helen, Mick & CHF team (Victoria, Kirstie, Sophie, Paris)
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
Step into the wonderfully playful world of papier mâché with folk artist Jim Pilston, whose vibrant characters and imaginative objects have captured the hearts of collectors and galleries alike. Over six inspiring days at Court House Farm, Jim will guide you through the creative possibilities of paper-based sculpture — from small decorative pieces to expressive masks, figures, cabinets and even sculptural “furniture-like” forms.
Working with reclaimed and waste materials, you’ll learn how everyday objects can be transformed into something personal, joyful and completely unexpected. Jim’s approach is open, encouraging and rooted in experimentation, making this retreat suitable for all levels — from curious beginners to experienced makers looking to expand their practice.
You’ll have time and space to play, build, decorate, invent characters, and follow your imagination wherever it leads. By the end of the week, you’ll leave not only with finished pieces, but with a renewed sense of creative confidence and a deeper understanding of papier mâché’s expressive potential.
Costs & Booking
Residential (5 nights, all inclusive)
Arrival: 2pm, Date TBC for afternoon tea and gather at 3pm for introduction & studio session with Jim
Farewell: 11.30am, Date TBC
£2,550 — Own ensuite room in the historic Manor
once our allocation of rooms are filled in the manor we use our Court Lodge accommodation (Victorian house just at end of drive) All rooms are ensuite£2,350 — Own room, shared bathroom (2 sharing)
£1,990 — Shared twin room (price per guest)
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
Costs & booking- continued
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.
Read more about day- guests >>
Venue: Court House Farm, Portishead BS20 6PU, UK
Cost: £990
Arrival: 2pm, date TBC
Daily workshops: 9.30am – 4.30pm + talks
Farewell: 11.30am, Date TBC- 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 non-refundable deposit - see our terms & conditions for details
Creativity itinerary/ what you'll learn
Across six days, Jim will introduce you to the full process of creating sculptural work in papier mâché clay. Through demonstrations, hands-on making sessions and gentle one-to-one guidance, you will learn how to:
Make your own papier mâché clay from scratch
Design and build frameworks and formers for both small and larger sculptural pieces
Apply, sculpt and refine layers of clay for strength, detail and character
Decorate, paint and finish your work, exploring colour, texture and surface pattern
Work with recycled and waste materials, transforming them into cherished, meaningful objects
The itinerary will include time to experiment with:
Small decorative objects (tree ornaments, motifs, characterful miniatures)
Expressive masks — using either your own concept or a template provided
Figures and sculptural characters
Small “cabinet” or “furniture-like” pieces, depending on your ambition and pace
Jim’s studio days are relaxed, generous and exploratory. You’re welcome to bring your own ideas, sketches or inspirations, and Jim will help you shape them into a finished piece. All making sessions will take place indoors within our creative spaces.
about Court House Farm
Set in Portishead, near Bristol, Court House Farm is a historic Somerset retreat space dedicated to creativity, connection and calm. Its medieval and Tudor manor, gardens and converted farmstead buildings offer a tranquil, immersive setting where time in the studio, shared meals and the surrounding landscape all support the creative process. From the spacious Cow Shed studio to the wild, characterful gardens, there’s room and inspiration for sculptural exploration and playful making. Hosting James Pilston’s retreat here brings together the farm’s spirit of imagination with his inventive approach to sculpture, transforming reclaimed materials into lively, story-filled creations. Guests stay within the manor and nearby lodge house, enjoying seasonal food, warm hospitality and the beauty of a place apart from everyday life.
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
About Jim
Jim (James) Pilston is a sculptor and tutor known for his imaginative, characterful creations made from recycled and reclaimed materials. Drawing on themes from folklore, nature, and myth, his work transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary with playfulness and craft.
As a tutor, James brings a relaxed, encouraging approach, helping participants explore creativity through hands-on making and sustainable art practices. His sculptures can often be found in outdoor exhibitions, community projects, and private collections.
To see more of his work, visit www.jamespilston.co.uk.
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 Jim — you’ll be the first to hear when new dates are announced.