Browse our calendar to find something to spark your imagination.
The Guildford Institute and Guildford Arts are pleased to present the work of local artists, Susi Alcock and Ros Flanders. Susi Alcock, Printmaker Although creative all her life Susi does not come from a professional art background. She is a self-directed printmaker who started printmaking about 10 years ago when she produced her first lino […]
Literally meaning ‘Life Energy Cultivation’, Qigong has its roots in Chinese medicine, philosophy, Tai Chi and martial arts. A holistic system of coordinated body posture, movement, and breathing, Qigong is beneficial for health and balance. The cultivation of Chi (Qi) – the flow of energy – enables meditation through mindful movement of the body. Students […]
Join us in V Café on alternate Wednesday mornings at our ‘chatter and natter’ table. Run by our friendly table volunteers, we aim to provide a welcoming space for individuals to come together to chat and socialise.
Surprisingly, Guildford has a colourful history of rebels, criminals and the penalties they paid. Despite being the centre for administration of Law in the county, the town has witnessed many atrocities and major crimes. Guildford was also the site of three prisons over the centuries. The remnants of two of these are still prominent landmarks […]
Discover the history of jewellery and accessories as symbols of status, beauty, and culture. This workshop explores iconic adornments from ancient civilisations to modern times, including royal regalia, Art Nouveau designs, and contemporary trends. Learn how these embellishments reflect societal values, technological advancements, and personal expression through hands-on activities and expert insights.
Practice simple stitches (and their variations) on a sampler, then transfer your skills to an embroidered picture or felt decoration. Designs provided or support for your own design. Stitches range from very basic including running stitch to satin and bullion stitches – simple concepts but more difficult to do well. Please bring sharp scissors. All […]
Discover tools and strategies for researching ancestors across borders. This course explores immigration records, international archives, and cultural contexts to uncover global family stories. Learn to navigate language barriers, regional naming patterns, and historical events that shaped migration. Case studies and practical exercises help build skills to connect your family tree to its worldwide roots.
Come along to our informal, community group, where you can learn and share crafting skills with likeminded people. Be part of a fun, friendly and supportive group. Please bring along any projects that you are working on, be it knitting, crochet, embroidery or needlepoint, felting, cross stitch or punch-needle! Alternate Fridays Contact: info@guildford-institute.org.uk
GI Music Lounge Enjoy an evening in the intimate setting of the Guildford Institute celebrating the music of the Great American Songbook. Vocalist Vic Cracknell with Andy Sturmey on piano, Marianne Windham on double bass and Martin Pyne on drums. Swinging interpretations of classic songs written by George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, Lerner & […]
Mix up your creative repertoire with ink and bleach. This workshop will introduce you to this extremely fun and experimental medium. There will be a variety of projects to choose from and tutor support to help you achieve your aims. Just bring your imagination, your creative flair, and your apron! Suitable for all levels. All […]
Could humans ever land on Mars and explore its surface? The challenges are immense. In this Day School we shall examine what we have learned from the recent robotic missions to Mars, and how this is informing our planning for a human mission to Mars. How will we get there (and back)? What are the […]
This course is aimed at students who have a basic knowledge of the Italian language and are looking to improve their skills. The course will enable participants to feel comfortable conducting informal conversations about general topics as well as starting to look at reading longer comprehension texts. Discussions of grammar will involve looking at expressing […]
This foundation course is for people with no or little knowledge of the Italian language and culture and will enable the participants to feel comfortable when exchanging basic personal information in informal conversations. You will also learn how to ask for directions, order food and drinks, book tickets and accommodation. Basic reading and writing will […]
Interiors have been an attractive subject full of intrigue for painters through the centuries. If you are curious about painting interiors, join us for this course and learn how to portray this essential part of our everyday life. In this class you will learn how to depict a room with varying details, or how to […]
With Strictly Come Dancing due back on our screens, we welcome you to celebrate the background of dance with Louise’s light-hearted talk. Her grandfather, Johnny Douglas, composed and arranged music for ballroom and latin dancing. As the title says, there is a strict tempo to each style of dance with varying beats per minute and […]
Working with your ideas, samples, colours, and photos, this workshop will provide an opportunity to get professional, on the spot advice about your interior scheme. You will come away with a board of ideas for your personal project to put into practice with confidence. Please bring an A2 board and all your research material, including […]
Do you want to practise your French by engaging in conversation with others? Join native speaker Julie, to practice and exchange with others on a wide range of topics. In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, you will strengthen and expand your knowledge of the French language. This course is aimed at those who are confident […]
Discover the history of jewellery and accessories as symbols of status, beauty, and culture. This workshop explores iconic adornments from ancient civilisations to modern times, including royal regalia, Art Nouveau designs, and contemporary trends. Learn how these embellishments reflect societal values, technological advancements, and personal expression through hands-on activities and expert insights.
Discover tools and strategies for researching ancestors across borders. This course explores immigration records, international archives, and cultural contexts to uncover global family stories. Learn to navigate language barriers, regional naming patterns, and historical events that shaped migration. Case studies and practical exercises help build skills to connect your family tree to its worldwide roots.
Join us to celebrate the Last Night of the Proms in Guildford Institute-style! Enjoy an afternoon of classical music on our Bechstein piano and a sing-along to the classics, with our favourite singer Jen Merchant. Finish with waving your flags to Land of Hope and Glory and Rule Britannia! The cost includes tea, coffee, a […]
Join The Guildford Institute for a special weekend celebrating local history! Based in its beautiful Grade II listed building on Ward Street since 1892, the Institute is a small charity providing cultural education to the local community and beyond. On Saturday, the Institute's historic Library will be open with an exhibition featuring treasures from its […]
Join David and Geoff for this illustrated talk covering the history of the railways coming to Guildford in 1845 and its impact on the town to the various forms of traction from steam to the diesels and electrics of present day. A tremendous selection of photographs are included. To accompany the talk, there will be […]
Enjoy developing and channeling your writing abilities. Writing forms covered include novels, plays, poems, short stories, and memoirs. Classes will cover many aspects of writing, such as getting started, shaping stories, creating characters, guidelines on getting published. With an emphasis on individual development, there will be reading and discussion of your work in a friendly […]
At the end of WWII, when mankind became clever enough to destroy itself, many were unsure if it was clever enough to save itself. The climate of fear and apprehension was reflected in the British sculpture of the time, from 1945 to the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. We will look at powerful works by […]
This foundation course is for people with no or little knowledge of the Italian language and culture and will enable the participants to feel comfortable when exchanging basic personal information in informal conversations. You will also learn how to ask for directions, order food and drinks, book tickets and accommodation. Basic reading and writing will […]
This course is aimed at students who have a basic knowledge of the Italian language and are looking to improve their skills. The course will enable participants to feel comfortable conducting informal conversations about general topics as well as starting to look at reading longer comprehension texts. Discussions of grammar will involve looking at expressing […]
This foundation course is for people with no or little knowledge of the Italian language and culture and will enable the participants to feel comfortable when exchanging basic personal information in informal conversations. You will also learn how to ask for directions, order food and drinks, book tickets and accommodation. Basic reading and writing will […]
Join us in V Café on alternate Wednesday mornings at our ‘chatter and natter’ table. Run by our friendly table volunteers, we aim to provide a welcoming space for individuals to come together to chat and socialise.
The story of a remarkable Dorking estate, its fascinating owners over 300 years and its eventual decline. The Deepdene was an estate and country house in Dorking once owned by Thomas Hope (from a wealthy banking family and widely travelled). Peter Sturge MBE, a volunteer guide at the Dorking Museum, will introduce some of the […]
Do you want to practise your French by engaging in conversation with others? Join native speaker Julie, to practise and exchange with others on a wide range of topics. In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, you will strengthen and expand your knowledge of the French language. This course is aimed at those who are confident […]
Discover the history of jewellery and accessories as symbols of status, beauty, and culture. This workshop explores iconic adornments from ancient civilisations to modern times, including royal regalia, Art Nouveau designs, and contemporary trends. Learn how these embellishments reflect societal values, technological advancements, and personal expression through hands-on activities and expert insights.
Discover tools and strategies for researching ancestors across borders. This course explores immigration records, international archives, and cultural contexts to uncover global family stories. Learn to navigate language barriers, regional naming patterns, and historical events that shaped migration. Case studies and practical exercises help build skills to connect your family tree to its worldwide roots.
Come along to our informal, community group, where you can learn and share crafting skills with likeminded people. Be part of a fun, friendly and supportive group. Please bring along any projects that you are working on, be it knitting, crochet, embroidery or needlepoint, felting, cross stitch or punch-needle! Alternate Fridays Contact: info@guildford-institute.org.uk
Tai Chi provides core balance, harmony, and wellbeing. Although considered a martial art, Tai Chi is also meditative and an energising exercise. On this course, seasoned tutor Devdan will guide students through Part 2 of the traditional long form of the Yang style. Students are advised to wear comfortable clothing to allow stretching and smooth-soled […]
Tai Chi provides core balance, harmony, and wellbeing. Although considered a martial art, Tai Chi is also meditative and an energising exercise. Continuing through Part 3, experienced Devdan will guide students through the progression of the 108 movements of the traditional long form of the Yang style. Students are advised to wear comfortable clothing to […]
Tai Chi provides core balance, harmony, and wellbeing. Although considered a martial art, Tai Chi is also meditative and an energising exercise. For those who have completed and assimilated the 108 Yang Long Form, this course works on refining the flow of the movements and explores related forms such as 24, 48 and sword. Students […]
Literally meaning ‘Life Energy Cultivation’, Qigong has its roots in Chinese medicine, philosophy, Tai Chi and martial arts. A holistic system of coordinated body posture, movement, and breathing, Qigong is beneficial for health and balance. The cultivation of Chi (Qi) – the flow of energy – enables meditation through mindful movement of the body. Students […]
Tai Chi provides core balance, harmony, and wellbeing. Although considered a martial art, Tai Chi is also meditative and an energising exercise. On this course, tutor Devdan will introduce Yang Style Tai Chi concentrating on short forms; a series of continuous, flowing movements which are performed slowly and gracefully. The forms are learnt gradually, posture […]
Enjoy developing and channeling your writing abilities. Writing forms covered include novels, plays, poems, short stories, and memoirs. Classes will cover many aspects of writing, such as getting started, shaping stories, creating characters, guidelines on getting published. With an emphasis on individual development, there will be reading and discussion of your work in a friendly […]
Portraiture is an essential British art form. Begin a journey through its history with its Medieval origins (including Richard II in the Wilton Diptych). Then explore its first flowering under the early Tudors, inspired by mainly foreign artists. They include the Italian Torrigiano, the German-born Holbein the Younger and the Flemings Hans Eworth and the […]
This foundation course is for people with no or little knowledge of the Italian language and culture and will enable the participants to feel comfortable when exchanging basic personal information in informal conversations. You will also learn how to ask for directions, order food and drinks, book tickets and accommodation. Basic reading and writing will […]
This course is aimed at students who have a basic knowledge of the Italian language and are looking to improve their skills. The course will enable participants to feel comfortable conducting informal conversations about general topics as well as starting to look at reading longer comprehension texts. Discussions of grammar will involve looking at expressing […]
This foundation course is for people with no or little knowledge of the Italian language and culture and will enable the participants to feel comfortable when exchanging basic personal information in informal conversations. You will also learn how to ask for directions, order food and drinks, book tickets and accommodation. Basic reading and writing will […]
Gainsborough (1727–88) is acclaimed for his matchless portraits, landscapes and sketches but less well known is that nearly one hundred of his lively letters survive. Written on personal topics such as friends, family, household and money matters – and indeed his attitude to women: he was a great flirt! Historians and regular speakers at the […]
Do you want to practise your French by engaging in conversation with others? Join native speaker Julie, to practise and exchange with others on a wide range of topics. In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, you will strengthen and expand your knowledge of the French language. This course is aimed at those who are confident […]
Join Anita Ebdon from Hampshire Hawk Walks to experience this fascinating talk in the comfort of the Institute’s large function space. Enjoy a unique chance to get close and learn all about these amazing predators and the environment they live in. You will meet a selection of birds from a barn owl, kestrel, buzzard and […]
Discover the history of jewellery and accessories as symbols of status, beauty, and culture. This workshop explores iconic adornments from ancient civilisations to modern times, including royal regalia, Art Nouveau designs, and contemporary trends. Learn how these embellishments reflect societal values, technological advancements, and personal expression through hands-on activities and expert insights.
Discover tools and strategies for researching ancestors across borders. This course explores immigration records, international archives, and cultural contexts to uncover global family stories. Learn to navigate language barriers, regional naming patterns, and historical events that shaped migration. Case studies and practical exercises help build skills to connect your family tree to its worldwide roots.
Whether you prefer working boldly or meticulously, ‘drawing’ is important to painting. With Hilary’s supportive individual tuition, learn techniques for observing and drawing more accurately. Practice drawing freely and expressively with a brush. Try out pen and wash techniques, layering paint over a pen or pencil drawing. Beginners and improvers welcome. A list of materials […]
Over the course of her career certain artists and their works have inspired former Guildford Institute tutor and current trustee Tammy Ellis in various ways. In this special talk for Guildford Festival of the Arts, Tammy will explore artists including Frederic William Burton, Gustave Caillebotte, Laura Knight, Frida Kahlo, Elaine de Kooning and Damien Hirst […]
The archetypal, misunderstood, solitary artist, Vincent van Gogh dies barely acknowledged. However, after his death his legend took root. Now van Gogh’s works are among some of the best known and most valuable in the world. Can we dig through the layers of mystique and sentimentality to see his work as he saw it and […]
GI Music Lounge The Institute is very pleased to welcome back Dean Dyson for an evening of music, performing his own songs and a selection of classic covers. Dean led a nomadic childhood, living all over Britain, Germany and Singapore before settling in London aged 18, where he won the National Folk Contest in 1973. […]
John Russell RA was an English painter renowned for his portrait work in oils and pastels, and as a writer and teacher of painting techniques. Born in Guildford, Russell was one of the eighteenth century’s leading pastel portraitists. In 1789 he was appointed Painter to King George III, then later to the Prince of Wales […]
Tai Chi provides core balance, harmony, and wellbeing. Although considered a martial art, Tai Chi is also meditative and an energising exercise. On this course, seasoned tutor Devdan will guide students through Part 2 of the traditional long form of the Yang style. Students are advised to wear comfortable clothing to allow stretching and smooth-soled […]
Tai Chi provides core balance, harmony, and wellbeing. Although considered a martial art, Tai Chi is also meditative and an energising exercise. Continuing through Part 3, experienced Devdan will guide students through the progression of the 108 movements of the traditional long form of the Yang style. Students are advised to wear comfortable clothing to […]
Tai Chi provides core balance, harmony, and wellbeing. Although considered a martial art, Tai Chi is also meditative and an energising exercise. For those who have completed and assimilated the 108 Yang Long Form, this course works on refining the flow of the movements and explores related forms such as 24, 48 and sword. Students […]
Literally meaning ‘Life Energy Cultivation’, Qigong has its roots in Chinese medicine, philosophy, Tai Chi and martial arts. A holistic system of coordinated body posture, movement, and breathing, Qigong is beneficial for health and balance. The cultivation of Chi (Qi) – the flow of energy – enables meditation through mindful movement of the body. Students […]
Tai Chi provides core balance, harmony, and wellbeing. Although considered a martial art, Tai Chi is also meditative and an energising exercise. On this course, tutor Devdan will introduce Yang Style Tai Chi concentrating on short forms; a series of continuous, flowing movements which are performed slowly and gracefully. The forms are learnt gradually, posture […]
Enjoy developing and channeling your writing abilities. Writing forms covered include novels, plays, poems, short stories, and memoirs. Classes will cover many aspects of writing, such as getting started, shaping stories, creating characters, guidelines on getting published. With an emphasis on individual development, there will be reading and discussion of your work in a friendly […]
Join Ronnie for the second course in his new series where he will compare two artworks which overlap in theme, but with quite different results due to differences in temperament, ambition and the society in which the artists lived. This course will compare Virgin and Child with Canon van Der Paele by Van Eyck with […]
Portraiture is an essential British art form. Begin a journey through its history with its Medieval origins (including Richard II in the Wilton Diptych). Then explore its first flowering under the early Tudors, inspired by mainly foreign artists. They include the Italian Torrigiano, the German-born Holbein the Younger and the Flemings Hans Eworth and the […]
Ted Hughes, Sylvia Plath, Seamus Heaney & Philip Larkin were among the leading poets marking the latter part of the twentieth century. We will look at these alongside the less well-known humorous poet, Wendy Cope, blind poet, John Heath-Stubbs, and religious poet, R.S. Thomas. We will consider the use of autobiography, the wide variety of […]
This foundation course is for people with no or little knowledge of the Italian language and culture and will enable the participants to feel comfortable when exchanging basic personal information in informal conversations. You will also learn how to ask for directions, order food and drinks, book tickets and accommodation. Basic reading and writing will […]
This course is aimed at students who have a basic knowledge of the Italian language and are looking to improve their skills. The course will enable participants to feel comfortable conducting informal conversations about general topics as well as starting to look at reading longer comprehension texts. Discussions of grammar will involve looking at expressing […]
This foundation course is for people with no or little knowledge of the Italian language and culture and will enable the participants to feel comfortable when exchanging basic personal information in informal conversations. You will also learn how to ask for directions, order food and drinks, book tickets and accommodation. Basic reading and writing will […]
Join us in V Café on alternate Wednesday mornings at our ‘chatter and natter’ table. Run by our friendly table volunteers, we aim to provide a welcoming space for individuals to come together to chat and socialise.
Create striking monochrome drawings in an afternoon. Choose from a wide variety of reference images and treat yourself to looking and drawing in a slightly different way. Suitable for all abilities but some experience of drawing is useful. Materials Provided.
Join us for a virtual stroll around one of the historic areas of London. Once the site of a Danish settlement, the area became the location of many aristocratic homes before the Victorians turned it into a place of entertainment. Hear about the sad fate of Chunee the elephant and how human bones were found […]
Do you want to practise your French by engaging in conversation with others? Join native speaker Julie, to practise and exchange with others on a wide range of topics. In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, you will strengthen and expand your knowledge of the French language. This course is aimed at those who are confident […]
Whether you prefer working boldly or meticulously, ‘drawing’ is important to painting. With Hilary’s supportive individual tuition, learn techniques for observing and drawing more accurately. Practice drawing freely and expressively with a brush. Try out pen and wash techniques, layering paint over a pen or pencil drawing. Beginners and improvers welcome. A list of materials […]
Come along to our informal, community group, where you can learn and share crafting skills with likeminded people. Be part of a fun, friendly and supportive group. Please bring along any projects that you are working on, be it knitting, crochet, embroidery or needlepoint, felting, cross stitch or punch-needle! Alternate Fridays Contact: info@guildford-institute.org.uk
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