What's On

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 exercise […]

Learn about the life, work and network of Victorian celebrities and their legacy in Surrey. The couple - professional craftswoman Mary Seton Watts and 'England's Michelangelo' George Frederic Watts - worked in creative partnership at their studio-home in Compton, now Watts Gallery - Artists' Village. Explore Mary's innovative ceramic work and pioneering suffrage activism, and […]

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 allow […]

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 are […]

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 […]

The existence of evil in the world is considered by many to be highly problematic for the claim that God exists. This course considers (rationally and rigorously) the problem of evil, and an influential response made to one variety of the problem by the American philosopher, Alvin Plantinga. It also considers two highly influential explanations […]

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 by […]

Join Ronnie for the first of a new series where he will compare two artworks which overlap in theme, but with very different results due to differences in temperament ambition and the society of the artists. This course will compare and contract depictions of women by Botticelli (Birth of Venus) and Rembrandt (Woman Bathing in […]

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 two-week course will enable you to practise how to compose and capture still life, taking inspiration from masters such as Cézanne. Your tutor Songül will explain basic approaches to composition and shapes, in both drawing and painting techniques.    All levels and mediums welcome. A list of required materials and equipment will be provided. 

Painshill was one of the finest landscape gardens of the Georgian era, a garden designed to play on the senses and imagination. During the 20th century it became neglected, overgrown and its buildings started to decay. Since 1981 restoration has been ongoing, through archive research, archaeological excavations and hard work. Overseen by a dedicated staff […]

Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson bought Sissinghurst Castle in Kent in 1930 and transformed the land and rundown Elizabethan buildings into one of our most romantic English gardens. Essential to the enduring allure of the garden is the story of Nicolson and Sackville-West: their marriage, lovers and social circle of famous friends. We will explore the people who created Sissinghurst, aiming to […]

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 […]

We dive into the evolution of naval history, exploring iconic ships, legendary sailors, and pivotal maritime strategies. From ancient seafaring to modern naval warfare, this course examines how control of the seas influenced global power dynamics, trade, and exploration. Engage with fascinating case studies, technological innovations, and the enduring legacy of naval dominance in shaping […]

We will explore how historical restrictions—social, economic, technological, and geographical—shaped your ancestors’ daily life, inspired innovation, and drove societal change. Through case studies, personal stories, and comparative analysis, the course highlights the enduring impact of these constraints and celebrates the resilience and ingenuity of individuals who turned limitations into opportunities. 

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