Stephen Ryan from Green Woodwork Ireland will teach you the skills needed to produce your own Leitrim Chair using the same traditional techniques as John used during his life. This workshop will allow you to practice an ancient form of woodcraft that was once widespread across the country, a craft that has long since disappeared from our woodlands and workshops.

During this 4-day workshop, you will use traditional tools and equipment such as the Shave Horse, Scotch Eyed Auger, Drawknife, Froe, Spokeshave, Tenon Cutter, Cabinet Scraper and much more to produce a chair that can be used and admired in the home as well as being a focal point for visitors.

You will learn how to cleave and shape wood that will then be assembled using round mortise and tenon’s secured with Oak wedges, typical of old Irish furniture, completed with a finish of linseed oil and beeswax.

This course is suited to all levels including complete beginners. As you will be working in a workshop environment, sturdy footwear is important. A good pair of boots is ideal and if you happen to have steel toe caps this would be even better. Open-toed or low-cut footwear is not suitable and may mean you cannot participate in the workshop. The tutor will supply safety gloves but if you have your own tight-fitting safety gloves feel free to bring them along, these safety measures are to protect your hands and feet from cuts and to protect your feet from sharp and heavy tools and equipment being dropped. You must be aged 16 or over to attend this class. All tools and materials are supplied. Workshop times are 10.00am to 6.00pm.

Please keep in mind that some of the workshop tasks can be a bit physical, but help will be on hand if you find any of the tasks challenging.

The workshop will be held at the Green Woodwork Ireland Workshop, Minnowburn. Workshops are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Key dates:

Saturday 4th, Sunday 5th, Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th of October, 10.00am to 6.00pm