Orkney is an incredibly creative community.
A trip on the Creative Orkney Trail showcases the depth of talent across the islands, with jewellers, artists, potters, furniture and textile designers and many more showcasing their work. But some local makers also offer the chance for visitors to find out first-hand how inspiring Orkney can be thanks to a series of interactive workshops.
We’ve been speaking to three talented Creative Orkney members who welcome guests into their galleries for regular classes to learn new skills, have fun, and make the most of their island inspiration.
Alison Moore Designs
Stromness has always been at the heart of Orkney’s creative community with the town home to generations of artists, writers, and makers. It’s something Alison Moore was well aware of when she moved her jewellery design business from Dounby to the winding Stromness street in 2023. Now, her beautiful shop is part of the creative fabric of the town.
“Our visitors have always been fascinated to watch our jewellers working through the window to our workshop,” says Alison. “I thought it would be a great idea to offer classes so anyone interested in our jewellery could get the chance to make it themselves, and to see the skill involved in this craft.”
Alison’s team offers sessions where visitors can make their own silver jewellery, taking their finished products home at the end of the day. “The classes are aimed solely at beginners, just to give them an experience of the craft. They’ll learn the basics of cutting metal, filing, soldering, texturing, and polishing,” says Alison. “They’ll also get to learn a lot about precious metals along the way.”
All kinds of folk have taken part in Alison’s workshops, which will soon move to her new location in Kirkwall. People from around the world have joined in during their holidays in Orkney, with local residents also signing up for sessions with family and friends. For Alison, there have been plenty of positives. “I hadn’t taught much before launching these classes and I’ve been surprised at just how much I’ve enjoyed them,” she says.
“It has been really great to be able to educate students on the way and give them a better understanding about caring for their jewellery too. We’ve had lots of really positive reviews from people saying how much they enjoyed their time with us and it has been lovely to hear their feedback.”
Find out more about the workshops on offer at Alison Moore Designs, and book online via the official website.
Orkney Glass Hut
Across three of the four Churchill Barriers in Burray you’ll find the Orkney Glass Hut. Liz Rickard has no shortage of inspiration to draw from, with panoramic views of Scapa Flow surrounding her studio. Liz specialises in glass fusing and painting, and her glass work is full of vibrant colours, drawing from the landscape, seascape, and history that surrounds her.
“I decided to launch my workshops as a way to share my love of glass fusing,” says Liz. “I retired early and very quickly developed a passion for naïve and fused glass art – it was a hobby that grew into an obsession, then an art form! There are so many colours available to create with, and working with fused glass is such a unique art experience.”
Liz describes her workshops as ‘hands-on, interactive, and challenging’ for all skill levels, from beginners to anyone who has worked with fused glass before. She can accommodation all ages, as well as individuals or groups looking for a fun activity to do together.
“I’m often told at the end of the workshops that the creative process brought joy to the folk involved, and that’s exactly what I’m aiming for,” she says. “I want people who come along to be able to express themselves and their views through their art. They also help inspire me, and I’m always impressed by the sheer creativity within folk.”
The majority of her participants have never worked with fused glass before, but afterwards many have expressed an interest in returning for a future class, or sourcing one close to their own homes. Liz also hosts workshops for community groups and team-building events across Orkney.
“I don’t keep the fused glass art techniques secret, I share them, and I love to watch folk develop their skills and achieve something special,” she says. “If, by the end of a workshop, they have enjoyed the experience and leave happy, then I’m happy too!”
Find out more about the workshops on offer at the Orkney Glass Hut, and book online via the official website.
Robin Palmer Ceramics
In Kirkwall, Robin Palmer has been creating beautiful pottery pieces in his studio for the last seven years. His work, which includes unique bowls and tableware, intricate candles, and ceramic art, is often inspired by Orkney’s vistas of land and sea.
He’s operated an open-door policy at his base over the years, welcoming visitors in to see him at work, usually covered in clay in the midst of crafting his latest creations. Last year, however, he launched dedicated pottery taster sessions where folk would be able to have a go themselves.
“Orkney is full of creative people, even if they don’t know it yet,” says Robin. “I’ve always enjoyed passing my skills and knowledge onto those who want to learn, so hosting workshops giving folk the chance to try something different just seemed like a sensible thing to do.”
Robin offers one-to-one sessions and group classes for up to six people, which are perfect for friends or family. His workshops can include the chance to work on the throwing wheel, a hand-building project, and possibly even some sgraffito etching on a pre-prepared tile, although the time can be tailored to suit the client.
“I’ve had such a wide range of people taking part, from complete beginners to experts keen to hone their skills,” he says. “Most participants are locals but I’ve already got some visitor bookings this year. It’s really for everyone and anyone, with all ages welcome.”
Like other workshops hosts in Orkney, Robin has found that holding classes and working with novices has helped change the way he looks at his work and his creative process. “It’s incredible when you get a complete novice who has never touched clay before sit down in front of the potter’s wheel and just understand it,” he says.
“It also makes me realise that everyone learns differently, and generally that we just have to be kinder to ourselves. There have been so many times when folk have said they can’t do it, but they’ve been completely surprised at what they’ve achieved by the end of the two-hour session.”
Find out more about the workshops on offer at Robin Palmer Ceramics, and contact him directly to book.
Visit our Creative Workshops page to find out more about what workshops and classes are available across Orkney.