The Albatross, Totnes

27/02/2023

CRAFT // LIFE DRAWING WITH RUBY BATEMAN 30.03.23

Join RCA artist, Ruby Bateman, for an evening of Life Drawing at the Albatross, Totnes

Come make some joyful marks on the page and learn how to connect to a stronger relationship between looking and drawing with the help of Ruby and our n**e model. Over the course of 2 hours spend some peaceful and focused time representing the human form with dynamic and playful drawing techniques and an array of materials.

Sessions are relaxed and conversational, designed to allow space for personal expression, creative growth and technical improvement no matter your preexisting experience or drawing background.

Expect joyful music, cups of tea and an open-minded approach to drawing.

All drawing equipment and materials will be provided, however if you wish to bring your own materials please feel free. If you have any learning difficulties or specific needs please let us know in advance so we can accommodate. Please note that we will be nudity in this session, adults 18+ are permitted to join. £20 // 7-9pm

04/02/2023

WILD BOOK TALK // SOPHIE PIERCE AND ALEX MURDIN // 16.03.23

In the next instalment of our Wild Book Talks, Sophie and Alex discuss their book “The Green Hill: Letters to a Son” and ask the question, what role can nature play in our emotional lives?

In 2017, Sophie and Alex’s son Felix died suddenly and unexpectedly. He was only 20. The Green Hill: Letters to a Son, is Sophie’s memoire about this devastating event. It is a book about grief, but is also about finding joy after bereavement, and the restorative power of the natural world.

The Devon landscape, including Dartmoor and the coast, plays a huge role in the book, with different places becoming like characters in the narrative. Many of them feature illustrations by Alex.

Tickets available from or

7:30pm // £3

02/02/2023

CRAFT // STILL LIFE DRAWING WITH RUBY BATEMAN // 23.02.23

Join RCA artist, for an evening of Still Life Drawing at The Albatross.

Come and explore new perspectives and techniques for drawing still life objects, inspired by the February winter season. Enjoy two focused and peaceful hours with Ruby in the creation of a series of drawings with range in style, form and medium, whilst learning a few tips and tricks for perspective and accuracy.

Sessions are relaxed and conversational, designed to allow space for personal expression, creative growth and technical improvement no matter your pre-existing experience or drawing background.

Expect joyful music, cups of tea and an open minded approach to drawing.

All drawing equipment and materials will be provided, however if you wish to bring your own materials please feel free. If you have any learning difficulties or specific needs please let us know in advance so we can accommodate.

To book, follow the link in our bio!

7 -9pm // £20

16/10/2022

Coming to a pub near you soon. Keys fobs made by the amazing Caroline from who is running her workshop with us at the alb. Loving all the post-food waste convos. She’s a bit of a genius.

07/09/2022

Can’t wait to be joined by Sarah for some beautiful jewellery making!

Finally got some lovely new jewellery-making workshops booked in for Autumn at:
* the gorgeous Stable Art Picture Framing and Art Supplies in Bodmin
* next door to my studio in St Austell at the brand, spanking new Trinity Centre,
* at the lovely new The Albatross, Totnes
* a longer, intensive re-make gold and silver course at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation
* and stackers and bangles during the Bedruthan Hotel & Spa lovely Christmas Fair...

Lots of chances to have a go and treat yourself, or someone else to a fun, creative making experience :-)

Just click here for more info and to book: https://www.sarahdrew.com/workshops

17/08/2022

Such a great turnout this afternoon for Oak Gall Ink & Leaf Patches workshop with Caroline from . Massive thanks to Caroline for putting on this free event for the community.
Caroline does a huge amount of work around what would otherwise be discarded waste or “post food waste”. She turns what was destined for the waste pile into tangible items. This kind of approach fits in perfectly with what we’re trying to do as a business about the other uses and value of waste, and how to minimise ALL waste.

10/08/2022

We had such a great first workshop with , we can’t wait to be joined by for a Natural Bundle Dyeing Workshop this evening (nab the last spaces using the links in the bio!)

Thank you to all the friendly faces, new and old, that have popped by to see the space, pressed faces to the windows, shared the love and got on board. So many exciting things to come, for craft, culture and community!

With our regular collaborations …

- taking over in the mornings with loaves, pastries and all kind of tasty delights
- Craft workshops with local makers curated by the wonderful
- Musical interludes & conversations with
- Wild Book Talks with , hosting conversations with authors around topics such as restoring nature, regenerative farming, and climate change.
- The Mend Assemblies, hosting textile-led talks exploring sustainability in our clothing with
- Fundraising supper clubs and pop-ups for
- Conversations with about biodiversity and regenerative farming

… it really is a community collective! Plus many more great one off, collaborative events, subsidised workshops and community fundraisers - email [email protected] to get involved - check out our website for more info on the Space soon!

For now, follow our Eventbrite and page to get the most up to date and exclusive new workshops when tickets go live!

03/08/2022

Stairs leading … where?

THE ALBATROSS // Opening 08.08.22

Book on a workshop, talk or tasting by using the links in our bio.

Follow us on Eventbrite to be the first to know about new courses!

01/08/2022

GROW COMMUNITY //

We love uncovering the details like this beautiful fireplace at The Albatross and can’t believe we’ll be welcoming you all next week ..!

We love this postcard from maker “Grow” collection that we picked up from our lovely neighbour, collaborator and curator of some of our craft workshops, . Pop across the road to find Chloe’s treasure trove of independent craftspeople and handmade gifts - this statement is exactly what we are incapsulating as part of our collective!

Book on a workshop, talk or tasting by using the links in our bio. Follow us on Eventbrite to be the first to know about new courses!

29/07/2022

Details coming together as we get closer to opening … we can’t wait!

Book on a workshop, talk or tasting by using the links in our bio.

Follow us on Eventbrite to be the first to know about new courses!

23/07/2022

August at The Albatross

We can’t wait to open up our new event space, for craft, culture and community. Book your place on our workshops using the link in our bio or follow us on Eventbrite to be the first to know about exclusive events!

18/07/2022

ME & EAST : LINO BLOCK PRINTMAKING WITH LOU TONNIN // 16.09.22

During this workshop we will spend the day together as a group, working from sketches & favourite found objects- please feel free to bring your own piece of nature with you - to create a wonderful still life design. This will be transferred and cut into a lino block, creating your very own relief print block artwork to take home.

Includes organic lunch from

(Wear old clothes - for ink smudges!)

Event curated by .

10am - 4pm // £150

ABOUT :

"I am an artist & Print-maker from Cornwall. My inspiration is taken almost exclusively from my local environment, I am fascinated with nature & the hedgerows, I sit for hours looking at birds flitting in & out not necessarily to draw them in great detail (I love looking at all of my bird & insect books to do that) but to get a really good idea of the way they move & stand so that I can get the feel of them right…"

Book tickets via the link in our bio!

For exclusive access to when new Events, Workshops & tickets go live, follow The Albatross on Eventbrite.

workshop

18/07/2022

COCKLES & HEART : MAKE A NATURAL VINTAGE CANDLE WITH SHONA DUNCAN // 11.09.22

Create your own gorgeous vintage candle using a cup or bowl. In this fun half day workshop Shona will guide you through all the steps to create a wonderful 150ml candle, from wicking, centring, infusing wax with essential oils, hand pouring & decorating.

All materials will be provided (including a selection of vintage cups) but if you want to bring your own smallish cup - thats ok too. Just make sure you measure it to make sure its approx 150ml and bring it along.

10am - 1pm // £50

ABOUT SHONA

As founder of , Shona is nuts about candle making and all things crafty. She lives by the mantra 'be good to yourself, be good to the planet' and so never use chemicals, artificial frangrances, paraffin, soya or palm in C&H's candles. Shona set up these Makers Workshops to promote sustainability in craft (and to have fun too!)

Book using the Cockles & Heart Workshop links in our bio!

visittotnes

18/07/2022

WILD WINE SCHOOL ORGANIC WINE TASTING & TALK // 27.08.22

Always wanted to know what happens in the vineyards of organic wineries? And how does a winemaker have to do to become certifiably organic? From lunar cycles to the special alchemy of plants and manure, discover how biodynamic, and organic farmers navigate the fascinating world of sustainable viticulture.

Join us and the for an evening of wine tasting, munching and education that centres around all things organic and biodynamic in the world of sustainable viticulture. Not to be missed!

Includes wine tasting and canapes. Over 18's Only.

6.30 - 9pm // £35

About Debbie Warner aka.

The Wild Wine Woman, Debbie Warner is a wine educator on a mission to clean up the wine industry! Debbie is the founder of in Cornwall, offering a wine education for the modern wine drinker, with a focus on sustainability and regenerative viticulture, and imports wine by sail with Dawn Imports. With a lifelong love of the sea and a degree in Marine Biology, when she's not talking wine she can be found enjoying the Cornish coast with her family.

visittotnes

18/07/2022

WILD BOOK TALKS WITH SOPHIE PAVELLE // 26.08.22

This is the first in a series of events, co-hosted with East Gate Bookshop, Totnes], in which we invite the best nature writers in the country to Totnes to discuss their work, nature, ecology, wildness and everything in between.

The talks will focus on the vital topics of restoring nature, regenerative farming, and climate change. This will be an on-going series of informative and discursive talks driving knowledge and encouraging debate around the challenges for nature and humanity that we are all facing.

We will also be celebrating the beauty, diversity, and the sheer joy that nature, if allowed to thrive, can bring to all of us.

is a writer and science communicator. Sharing stories about British nature to wide audiences. She is also an Ambassador for the Wildlife Trusts and sits on the RSPB England Advisory Committee. Her writing has appeared in The Metro, BBC Countryfile, BBC Wildlife and Coast magazines.

Come and meet Sophie in-conversatation discussing her latest book, Forget Me Not: Finding the forgotten species of climate-change Britain.

6.15 - 9pm // £3 - Buy at , East Gate Bookshop, Totnes] or on the door!

18/07/2022

ABSTRACTING THE LANDSCAPE WITH SOPHIE BERGER // 225.08.22

Starting the class sketching outside, we will look at the landscape composition and colour, mood, atmosphere and weather and produce some short sketches. These will also have an emphasis on your emotions and how you feel in this outside space.

Taking your sketches back to the studio, artist will give guidance on technique, colour mixing, perspective and how to take an abstract landscape painting from start to finish using acrylics.

This is friendly and inclusive class that is suitable for all abilities. Removing inhibitions, taking some risks and getting out of your comfort zone will enable everyone to create more dynamic and exciting painting.

Includes organic lunch from

Ideal for those painters wanting to develop their technique and start something new.

10am - 4pm // £135

ABOUT SOPHIE :

is an emerging contemporary artist specialising in atmospheric landscape paintings. Spending large amounts of time working outside, revisiting locations at different times of year, Sophie captures the dramatic atmosphere of the South West in her beautiful contemporary landscapes.

Sketches of and the are a starting point, as the paintings themselves eventually take over and follow their own path. Working in her studio on the moors, her work has an affinity with the light and space that surrounds her.

Book tickets via the link in our bio!

For exclusive access to when new Events, Workshops & tickets go live, follow The Albatross on Eventbrite.

18/07/2022

MEND ASSEMBLIES // 23.08.22

This is the first in our new curated series of round table conversations with , for anyone who wears clothes. The Mend Assemblies at the Albatross creates a space to explore and uncover local and global narratives, new and old, that link sustainability to our everyday
use of textiles and clothing.

Bring a hand work project, bring your burning questions, ideas or expertise.

Join experts from our community in the conversation that’s breaking ground for localised slow fashion and textiles solutions in our unique community.

Featuring guests from & Plymouth Uni. Drinks & snacks available from

7 - 9pm // PAY WHAT YOU FEEL ON THE DOOR

For exclusive access to when new Events, Workshops & tickets go live, follow The Albatross on Eventbrite.

18/07/2022

WAX CARVING SILVER SIGNET RING WITH YUMÉ JEWELLERY // 23.08.22

In this, our second workshop with , you will learn how to make your own silver signet ring, carving your design from wax. It’s a super cool thing to do, and you come away with a truly unique item of your own.

During this fun, relaxed two hour workshop you will be guided through the basics of hand carving a ring, and create a one of a kind ring using jewellers wax and a selection of tools. Your bespoke wax mould will then be cast into a solid silver piece. The rings are then finished by hand and posted ( or pick up from Ashburton studio ) back to you when they are complete.

The workshop includes a standard sized solid silver ring (4mm wide).

9.30am - 12.30pm // £145

ABOUT YUMÉ :

Yumé established a recognisable style focused on designs inspired by nature and original contemporary designs early in her career. Recurrently drawing from nature and mythology, Yumé ultimately draws inspiration from her own upbringing and travels around the world and her designs are a true, living embodiment of her life.

Book tickets via the link in our bio!

For exclusive access to when new Events, Workshops & tickets go live, follow The Albatross on Eventbrite.

18/07/2022

ME & EAST : WATERCOLOUR WORKSHOP WITH HARRIET DE WINTON // 20.08.22

Spend a day with watercolour artist . Enjoy an introduction to flower painting in Harriet’s new botanical style.

Finding inspiration from seasonal flowers and foliage you will learn the fundamentals of watercolour as well as the key steps to painting any plant or flower. We will finish off the class with everyone painting a watercolour wreath choosing whichever plants and flowers they have enjoyed painting the most.

All materials are provided and all painting abilities welcomed!

Including organic lunch provided by

Event curated by

10am - 4pm // £135

Harriet runs the de Winton Paper co, a hand painted stationery company. She is the bestselling author of ‘New Botanical Painting’ and ‘Birds, Bees and Blossoms’ as well as teaching a vibrant global community of painters on YouTube and Patreon.

Book tickets via the link in our bio!

For exclusive access to when new Events, Workshops & tickets go live, follow The Albatross on Eventbrite.

14/07/2022

NATURAL PAINTS & INKS WITH FOUND & GROUND // 18.08.22

This morning we'll learn the basics of botanical inks from abundant local resources, and how to make 100% paint from local earths. You'll learn how to choose plants that might make good inks, and how to brew up your colours. You'll also learn how to select rocks, clays, and earths for paint, how to grind and refine them, and simple methods for wonderful watercolour paints with tree gums, eggs, and plant waters.

You'll go home with a shell of paint and a little bottle of ink to use at home, and the knowledge of how to make wild colour wherever you are.

All materials and tools will be provided, wear old clothes or bring an apron. Suitable for age 12 and over.

10am - 1pm // £60

ABOUT FOUND & GROUND

Caroline Ross from is a natural materials artist and teacher from Bournemouth. She is the author of the upcoming book 'Found And Ground - a Guide to Making Foraged Watercolours' to be published by in Spring 2023. She forages and finds most of her materials both in the countryside and in urban settings. She encourages people to replace acrylics and single-use plastic in their art practice and to rediscover the joy of working with materials of the earth.

She is a member of the ecological creative collective , and also . She developed and taught Wild Twins Course with writer Paul Kingsnorth and currently teaches art, craft and more in the UK, Ireland, Sweden and in 2023 will teach in USA.

Book tickets via the link in our bio!

For exclusive access to when new Events, Workshops & tickets go live, follow The Albatross on Eventbrite.

14/07/2022

OAK GALL INK & LEAF PATCHES WITH FOUND & GROUND // 17.08.22

This afternoon you'll learn how to make the traditional ink of the Magna Carta and illuminated manuscripts, oak gall ink (iron gall ink). Using the spent oak apples from English trees, rusty nails, and cherry tree gum, we will make a hyper-local ink.

We'll also learn how to make professional-grade black ink from powdered galls, iron mordant and gum Arabic, to compare. Then we'll draw and paint patches to take home using my homemade waste deer-hide buckskin. For those who don't want to work on the suede-like all-natural leather, you can make greetings cards, with lovely papers and blank cards provided. You'll go home with a little bottle of ink, cards or patches, and the knowledge of how to make ink from tannins, iron, water, and tree gum, wherever you are.

All materials and tools will be provided, wear old clothes or bring an apron. Suitable for age 12 and over.

ABOUT FOUND & GROUND

Caroline Ross from is a natural materials artist and teacher from Bournemouth. She is the author of the upcoming book 'Found And Ground - a Guide to Making Foraged Watercolours' to be published by in Spring 2023. She forages and finds most of her materials both in the countryside and in urban settings. She encourages people to replace acrylics and single-use plastic in their art practice and to rediscover the joy of working with materials of the earth.

She is a member of the ecological creative collective , and also . She developed and taught Wild Twins Course with writer Paul Kingsnorth and currently teaches art, craft and more in the UK, Ireland, Sweden and in 2023 will teach in USA.

2 - 5pm // FREE

Book tickets via the link in our bio!

For exclusive access to when new Events, Workshops & tickets go live, follow The Albatross on Eventbrite.

14/07/2022

FISH SKIN TANNING WITH FOUND & GROUND // 17.08.22

Come and learn how to make beautiful leather from waste fish skins using locally abundant plants and household items. You'll learn how to select, prepare, and handle fish skins and how to choose plants for tanning.

You'll go home with a jar of leather in tan to finish at home, a finished piece of leather, and the knowledge of how to turn this underused resource into attractive, durable, sustainable fabric.

All materials and tools will be provided, wear old clothes or bring an apron (and washing up gloves, if you like!) Suitable for age 12 and over.

ABOUT FOUND & GROUND

Caroline Ross from is a natural materials artist and teacher from Bournemouth. She is the author of the upcoming book 'Found And Ground - a Guide to Making Foraged Watercolours' to be published by in Spring 2023. She forages and finds most of her materials both in the countryside and in urban settings. She encourages people to replace acrylics and single-use plastic in their art practice and to rediscover the joy of working with materials of the earth.

She is a member of the ecological creative collective , and also . She developed and taught Wild Twins Course with writer Paul Kingsnorth and currently teaches art, craft and more in the UK, Ireland, Sweden and in 2023 will teach in USA.

10am - 1pm // £60

Book tickets via the link in our bio!

For exclusive access to when new Events, Workshops & tickets go live, follow The Albatross on Eventbrite.

14/07/2022

COCKLES & HEART : MIXED MEDIA BOOKS WITH SOPHIE HERXHEIMER // 14.08.22

We are handing over the Albatross to Cockles and Heart for a glorious weekend of making and doing. This month Shona and her collective will be making fabulous pendants from recycled silver and making collage poetry zines with a collab of superb teachers.

Create your own spectacular one-off hand made book from things you can’t buy in the shops. Sophie will help you play with ideas and create sizzling poetry to make small books and zines to take home, using coloured scraps, found text, bits and bobs, your imagination.

ABOUT SOPHIE

held residencies and had her work shown at many national museums and galleries. She teaches at the and the Poetry School. Her Velkom to Inklandt was an Book of the Month and a Book of the Year and her 60 Lovers to Make and Do was a TLS Book of the Year. Her new collection is INDEX, 78 collage poems published as a deck of cards.

10am - 1pm // £50 - COCKLES & HEART

Book tickets through Cockles & Heart website, link in our bio!

For exclusive access to when new Events, Workshops & tickets go live, follow The Albatross on Eventbrite.