Traditional Canal Art Workshop
Saturday 17th July 2027 - Cober Hill, Scarborough with Fred Worthington - Weekend Break Available
Available spaces
Join us for a one-day Traditional Canal Art workshop at North Yorks Art School, led by Fred Worthington, a professional canal artist passionate about sharing the colorful folk art of Britain’s narrowboats. This beginner-friendly session welcomes all skill levels, guiding you step-by-step to create a beautiful rose design on a wooden board, using the iconic techniques of canal art. You’ll spend the morning designing on paper and transferring your work, then layer paints and add detailed petals and flourishes in the afternoon to complete a stunning painting to take home. Traditional Canal Art, also known as Roses and Castles, emerged in the 19th century during Britain’s canal boom, when narrowboat families adorned their boats with bold, colourful designs featuring roses, landscapes and geometric patterns. Born from working-class communities, this folk art brought beauty to functional vessels, using bright paints to create durable, eye-catching decorations. Revived in the 20th century with renewed interest in canal heritage, canal art is valued for its accessibility, requiring only paints, brushes and a simple ground. Fred will start the day with a brief history of this old tradition followed by a morning of practical work creating your design on paper before transferring onto your board. Once you have a rough guide, you will then start applying your paint in layers. In the afternoon you will create details including petals and other flourishes which will leave you with a beautiful painting for you to take home and proudly show off. You don't need a canal boat to appreciate and recreate this colourful folk art style, so why not come along and learn a new skill. Discover everything you need to know about the materials required and the techniques needed to carry on painting at home. All paints, brushes and materials are included. It is advised to wear old clothing but gloves and plastic aprons are available. This Workshop takes place at: Cober Hill Cloughton Scarborough North Yorkshire YO13 0AR Turn this workshop into a two-night stay at Cober Hill’s historic mansion house. The residential package costs an additional £270per person. Check-in from 3pm Friday 16th July, check-out by 10.30am Sunday 18th July. Please select the accommodation option on the booking form.
Cancellation Policy
Booking & Cancellation Policy Payment Options You can pay in full at the time of booking via card, Google Pay, Apple Pay or PayPal, or choose to pay a 25% deposit and pay the remaining balance 45 days before the event. Cash payment can be made in person at the school, shop or venue. Deposits A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place on Workshops, Courses and Residentials. This deposit is non-refundable in all circumstances. Balance Due If you pay by deposit, the remaining 75% balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the start date. We will send you a reminder email with a payment link. Cancellation Policy Courses & Workshops More than 8 weeks before start: Full refund minus £20 admin fee. 4–8 weeks before: 70% refund. 2–4 weeks before: 50% refund. Less than 2 weeks before or after start: No refund.