Mini Breaks at Priors Hall
Why not take a mini break & absorb yourself in miniatures? We are so excited to announce our new Workshop Weekends at the beautiful Priors Hall.
We are collaborating with The Pig Style to create some perfect weekends away for anyone who loves making, looking at, talking about, studying miniatures & dolls houses.
In the idyllic setting of Priors Hall, you will spend 2 days learning skills & secrets from some of the top miniaturists, have the chance to view Alison’s incredible antique dolls house collection, listen & learn from the wonderful Daniel Brookbank, eat delicious home cooked food & relax in the beautiful English countryside.
Details for our 1st Mini Break at Priors Hall are as follows:
Saturday 20th September 2025
- 10.00 Arrive at Priors Hall
- 10.30 Workshop 1 begins
- 14.00 Lunch break
- 15.00 Workshop 2 begins
- 18.30 Chance to view Alison’s collection
- 19.30 Barbecue
- 20.30 After dinner talk by dolls house aficionado Daniel Brookbank *
Sunday 21st September 2025
- 10.00 Arrive at Priors Hall
- 10.30 Workshop 3 begins
- 14.00 Farewell lunch
* Daniel’s talk may take place after lunch on Sunday.
Workshops :
The classes will take place in a beautiful converted barn & all materials & tools you need will be provided. Each workshop will last 3 1/2 hours & you will have the chance to take part in all of the workshops over the weekend.
Geoff Wonnacott – French Inkstand C1835
In the style of many Boulle examples, this mahogany stand would adorn any reasonable size writing desk. (this is a new class Geoff has not taught in the Uk yet)
From a cutting list of timber, brass and glass simulated ink bottles the stand will be assembled, forming the compartments for the bottles and a central stamp box. A drawer will be made and a central brass handle and bun feet will be applied. Completion is likely in class however a detailed booklet is provided to complete the piece at home. All tools and supplies will be provided however please feel free to bring small tools and any optical equipment you may require. Approximate size in 1/12th scale 28mm Wide and 20mm Deep.
Alison Horne – Up-cycle & repair.
Alison has a wealth of experience for how to transform a standard piece of furniture into something really special. There will be a very handy craftsman assisting her that can replace/ fix just about anything so if you wanted to bring a 3 legged chair or an item you have found when treasure hunting, please bring it along. She will also have boxes of furniture that you can rummage through that will inspire an up-cycle.
If you have a specific “look” or project in mind please do let Alison know as she loves hunting for things. She has also designed some tiny 1:144 houses that can be built and decorated with furniture for your dolls house.
Michael Robbins – Halloween scene.
In this class you will learn the techniques to hand sculpt whimsical pumpkin characters in polymer clay, giving each one its own unique character. You will also learn how to create various Halloween candies including how to creates lollipops with caning techniques. Once all the pieces are sculpted and baked, we will paint the various pieces with an array of different paints and varnishes to finish them. Finally, we will assemble everything together and display on a demi-lune table- appropriately dressed for the Halloween season and add some final magical touches
Cost : Incredible introductory price of £220
Price includes all workshops & food while at Priors Hall, but B&B accommodation is extra.
Location :
Priors Hall, Stebbing, Dunmow, Essex CM6 3SW
Where to stay :
If you need to stay locally, we have reserved some rooms at local B&B’s. We can also arrange transport to & from your B&B or the train station.
For more information & to book one of the very limited spaces, please email us info@dollshouseshowcase.com
