Workshop | Childhood Treasures: Illustration and Etching

Create illustrations inspired by William Nicholson’s Velveteen Rabbit and your favourite childhood toy with artist Helen Friend, using pen, ink, and etching techniques.

Join artist Helen Friend for a creative workshop focussing on drawing and developing compositions based on a favourite childhood toy — bring your own, use a photograph, or select from a still life set up in the studio. You’ll work primarily in pen and ink to explore line, texture, tone and style, with the option to experiment with etching too.

You’ll also have the chance to visit the William Nicholson exhibition, where you can see his exquisite illustrations up close.

Observing detail, developing artistic techniques, and creating expressive illustrations, you will capture the spirit of Nicholson’s work. By the end of the day, you’ll have a finished illustration — and potentially an etching — reflecting your own creative interpretation of a beloved childhood object.

You can pre-order a delicious lunch from Pallant Café for £13, which will be delivered to you during the break. A menu will be provided at the start of the workshop for you to make your selection. If you’d like to include lunch, please add this option at checkout.

Portrait photograph of a woman with long dark curly hair in a floral top smiling.

Helen Friend

Helen is an inspirational and accomplished artist and teacher who is passionate about visual art. She has always immersed herself fully in the creative world, working in both galleries and schools, as well as creating her own work.

The biggest influence on Helen’s own work has been nature and landscape.