baking

business skills

calligraphy

candle making

cooking

crafts

dance

drawing

drinks and tastings

floristry

gardening

health and beauty

kids

languages

leather

mindfulness and wellbeing

music

painting

photography

pizza making

pottery-and-mosaics

sculpture

sewing

terrarium

upholstery

woodworking

You will receive a fun warm up exercise before the workshop then join a friendly group of new and more experienced writers to receive advice and encouragement from a professional editor and novelist. You will complete focused creative writing exercises, both individual and in small groups, during the workshop. Sometimes we also analyse extracts from contemporary and classic writers. If you like you can share your work and receive feedback from professionals in class and after via email. We included an extra Reading Hour mid-month on a Tuesday evening free for students to share their work and keep their creativity levels up. You can join our regular monthly Zooms on Saturday afternoons with discounts for 5 or 10 workshops.

Writers' Room Workshop

There's no set format for these Workshops, sessions with Christyan are formatted to the individual's writing or illustration needs - at any level - with the intention of giving an overview of the current children’s book market including what publishers are looking for.

Previous students have chosen to learn the basics of storytelling, taken a thorough look at plotting, brushed up their illustration and Photoshop skills, received advice on what makes an engaging central character, created illustrator model sheets to bring it to life, learned to break down a story... it's entirely up to you!

The full session includes lunch with Diane and Christyan, during which you can gain a different perspective on your work or discuss any further aspects with Diane.

If you don't have time for a full 5-hour session, or perhaps your project is still in the early stages, Christyan also teaches by the hour (@ £40 per hour, min 2hrs). Please contact to discuss.

Creating Children's Books One to One Workshop

Join the intimate setting of Studio 73 over tea to write in your favourite forms (poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and so on) inspired by local art prints in the studio. For novice or expert wordsmiths alike, we'll spend time developing techniques on writing from art, and then shift into a supportive critique group of giving and receiving feedback.

Based in South East London, Gina DeCagna hails from the New York metro area and Philadelphia in the States, before coming to the UK to work on her MFA at Goldsmiths, University of London. She is a dedicated writer, editor, and visual artist who is a specialist on the intersection of the visual and literary arts.

Creative Writing with Gina De Cagna

Book-lovers often talk about the intoxicating scent of books, but have you ever thought about the sounds a book makes? The crack of a spine, the rustle of the pages? Come explore a new sensory world at this unique Sound Book Workshop at Merton Abbey Mills.

In this class

The workshop will be run by the Sound Book Project, a group of collaborative artists and musicians who use books as instruments. You'll start off by listening to the sounds different types of books make: hardcovers, wax-covers, and even the clack of a typewriter. Microphones and special effects will be used to play with the sounds and create different compositions. Poetry will also be explored. The final product will be a participatory sound piece, performed by all workshop participants.

Under 16s go free!

Now you can

get 'in tune' with a sense that you might not otherwise associate with books
learn some cool new audio tips and tricks
allow your inner musician and bibliophile to be best friends

Sound book workshop - Obby

Sound Book Workshop

Books have always been portals to other worlds, but their creative potential doesn't end there. This unique class at Merton Abbey Mills is the perfect introduction to the craft of book arts. Beginners welcome; you'll learn the many ways in which you can turn these powerful paper objects into something entirely new.

In this class

In this class, you'll learn the many ways you can sculpt and tease books into unique art objects. Three activities will be pre-picked out of the following: book sculpting, pamphlet binding, collage/black-out books, miniature book jewelry and narrative photo books. The class is designed to give you a little taster of multiple book arts; so you can decide which world is calling you the most!

Now you can

craft original art pieces to give to book-loving friends and family
repurpose old books you might have been meaning to donate
discover new ways to celebrate and immortalise words and literature

Keep

You'll get to go home with your lovely literary creation, be it a sculpture, photo book or cute piece of jewelry. Participants are advised to bring an old book of their own along (though some will be available from the studio if you can't bear to reinvent your favourite tome!)

Intro to Book Arts - Obby

Intro to Book Arts

Is a picture really worth a thousand words? Dip into the world of photo storytelling in this narrative photo books workshop at Merton Abbey Mills.

In this class

In this class, you'll use photographs - either your own or sourced elsewhere - to make a narrative photo book. The book will not necessarily have to follow a linear order, and experimentation will be encouraged. You'll design the narrative first, sequence the photographs, and then bind them together yourself using a simple 'pamphlet stitch' book-binding method.

Now you can

create unique and meaningful photo books to capture your own stories or to give as gifts
experiment with new storytelling forms and structures
get your photos off Instagram and into the real tangible world

Keep / bring

Participants are asked to bring their own photographs to use. You'll leave with a photo book you've created yourself, bound and all: a corporeal story to hold in your hands.

Narrative photo books workshop - Obby

Narrative Photo Books Workshop

You probably talk to fellow humans every day, but have you ever tried talking to a tree? This one-of-a-kind workshop at Merton Abbey Mills gives you a chance to. Through an 'embodied encounter with a tree', participants will explore and examine the art of language making.

In this class

This workshop aims to break down language-making into three parts: sound, movement and mark-making. Through your interaction with the tree, you'll examine how these components are made by and with the tree. You'll then use your findings to devise a short language performance to share with the group (optional).

Under 16's can attend at a reduced price of £14.

Now you can

examine human language on a level you've never explored before
discover that age-old concept of 'being at one with nature'
choose a forest over a nightclub next time you want to get social

Keep / bring

Participants are encouraged to capture/document their experience, be it through a performance or writing. You'll leave with a deeper understanding of human language and our connection to the natural world.

Exploding Human Language Workshop - Obby

Exploding Human Language Workshop

Take a leaf out of Henry David Thoreau's book in this unique and interactive workshop in Merton Abbey Mills. Like the famous nature writer and poet, learn how your reading and writing practices are shaped by your environment, culminating in the production of your very own "tree text".

In this class

This workshop aims to explore how our reading and writing practices are influenced by the environments in which we practise them. The session will start by looking at 'tree texts' by other writers. You'll use cut-up, collage and adaptation techniques to re-work the texts, moving between indoor and outdoor environments. In the end, you'll produce your own unique 'tree text' influenced by the immersive experience.

Object Book is an accessible and inclusive studio, but mobility - be it on foot or wheels - is required for this workshop to move between indoors and outdoors (Morden Hall Park).

Under 16's can attend at a reduced rate of £14.

Now you can

have some leafy inspiration for your next writing or art project
get in tune with the natural world and its influences
become more conscious of your physical surroundings in an increasingly digital age

Keep

You'll leave with your own series of 'tree texts', which will culminate in a final tree piece. You'll also have a good excuse to head to Hyde Park or out to Epping Forest for some literary inspiration.

Reading and writing with a tree - Obby

Reading and Writing with a Tree

Hey! Ho! Let's go. Chaos and Chucks, angst and art; tap into your pulsing punk rock heart in this exclusive Punk Band workshop for teenage girls at Merton Abbey Mills.

In this class

This workshop is a chance for teenage girls to live the punk rock dream. Punk bands will be formed, songs will be written, dress-ups will be worn, zines will be made, and microphones will well and truly be screamed into it. Noise, experimentation, emotion and abandon will be highly encouraged.

Now you can

tick 'join a band' off your bucket list
learn some awesome arty skills, like lyric writing and zine creation
discover a priceless outlet for all the thoughts and emotions churning and burning inside

Keep / bring

Even rockstars have to eat, so participants are asked to bring a packed lunch with them.

You'll go home with the zines and songs you make, plus the musical foundation and friendships to become the next Ramones.

Punk band project - Obby

Punk Band Project

Poetry seems to be a forgotten art in our fast-paced, modern life, but can a short poem still be a great poem?

Find out in the Minimum Viable poem workshop at The Poetry School in London.

In this class

In this class, you will discuss poetry and write your own, with topics such as 'what elements are required for a poem?' and responding to writing prompts throughout the class to develop your own writing style and explore avenues of poetry you may not have considered before.

What you learn

think more deeply about what a poem needs to contain to qualify as a poem.
write shorter poems without worrying about meeting certain criteria
attend further poetry classes to gain a deeper understanding of poetry as an art form

The Minimum Viable Poem - Obby

The Minimum Viable Poem

Find out how mistakes and accidents can help your poetry in the 'Making a Mess' workshop at The Poetry School in London.

Kayo Chingonyi walks you through the ins and outs of failure, mess, and happy accidents in your writing.

Drawing on the work of Douglas Kearney, poet and performer, this class covers all you need to know about the processes behind allowing the creative processes to go astray and how to turn those muddles into muses.

In this workshop

Based on the work of Douglas Kearney, this workshop takes you through the creative processes surrounding overcoming mistakes and turning errors into works of art, as well as how to embrace happy little accidents that end up making your poetry the unique piece it is.

Now you can

experience mistakes and accidents in a new way
think about poetry differently, without stressing about getting things wrong
feel more freedom when writing and creating, opening your mind to new ideas and ways of working

What's included?

All creations and influences you think of during this class are yours to keep to work on later or for reference for future pieces.

Making a Mess: Poetry Workshop - Obby

Making a Mess: Poetry Workshop

Get to grips with poetic light and shadow in the ' If You Don't Have Any Shadows You're Not in the Light' workshop at The Poetry School in London

With inspiration from lady Gaga's lyrics, this class covers all areas of light and shadow in poetry - taking inspiration from real-life, paranormal and lucid experiences to bring depth and dimension into your poetry.

In this workshop

Throughout this class you will explore the theme of light and shadows, through real-life, paranormal and lucid interpretations. Through a mix of discussion, writing prompts and poetry readings, you will delve deeper into the world of poetry to inspire and improve your own works.

Now you can

bring deeper meaning into your work
understand more of the world and themes of poetry
create better work by incorporating new themes and dimensions

What's included?

All creations and influences you think of during this class are yours to keep for reference.

Poetry Workshop: Lady Gaga and Shadows - Obby

Poetry Workshop: Lady Gaga and Shadows

Explore well-known sayings and quotes in the ' Bird in the hand: Proverbial' poetry workshop at The poetry School in London.

Penelope Shuttle leads you through the ins and outs of proverbs, sayings and well-known quotes from history as you discover how proverbs have been used in poetry over time.

Through discussion, readings, writing prompts and exercises, you will discover how to bring proverbs into your work and create unique inspiration from common sayings.

In this workshop

Uncover the secrets behind the sue of proverbs in poetry, including how proverbs have been used as inspiration for poems and how poetry has influenced the popularity of proverbs.

The workshop includes poetry readings, discussions and writing prompts and exercises, as well as optional read-backs.

Now you can

understand more about proverbs and bring them into your own work
take inspiration from common sayings to develop new ideas
improve your writing process

What's included?

Keep your written work for future reference and inspiration.

Proverbial: Bird in the Hand Poetry Workshop - Obby

Proverbial: Bird in the Hand Poetry Workshop

Discover how image and narrative can influence and improve poetry in the 'Image & narrative workshop at The Poetry School in London

Learn how the use of image can enhance poetry and bring prose to life, with Raymond Antrobus. Discuss the themes and turn your poetry into much more than a single story, giving depth, dimensions and detail to every stanza.

In this workshop

After discussing the themes of image and narratives in poetry, the class will feature readings of existing and famous poetry, as well as a series of writing prompts to assist you in creating your own pieces based on the theme. The class ends with optional read-backs.

Now you can

bring more depth into your work
understand the use of narrative and images in poetry
Bring new elements to your work and explore new creative ways of thinking

What's included?

Your written ideas and inspiration are yours to take home and use as reference for future work.

Poetry Workshop: Image & Narrative - Obby

Poetry Workshop: Image & Narrative

Inject honesty and real-life perspective into your poetry with 'The Berlin lens' workshop at The Poetry School in London, near Waterloo.

Tutor Rachel long takes you through the collection of short stories by Lucia berlin, allowing you to discuss and respond to a range for poems by Morgan Parker and Arda Collins, exploring female lived reality, perspective, economy and character to build depth and structure to your work.

An introspective class, this poetry course will allow you to use personality traits and real life to create poetry which laughs at itself and the absurdities of life.

In this workshop

Covering the female lived experience, this class explores the themes and depths found in poems by female authors including Lucia Berlin, Morgan Parker and Arda Collins to determine how real-life, female experiences, economies, traits and characters can add depth and humour to poems.

The workshop includes poetry readings and analysis, discussion of the themes and writing prompts whereby you will respond to the works being used.

Now you can

understand female perspective in poetry through the years
bring more depth into your own work
find new ways to analyse and think about personal experiences and explore feeling through poetry

What's included?

All of your work is your to keep as reference material

Berlin Lens: Poetry Workshop

Discover how the form of a poem can evoke reactions before reading in the 'Radiant From' workshop at The Poetry School in London.

There are some poems which do not follow traditional rules, yet they evoke reaction and engage the reader before a single line has been read. This is achieved through perfect form.

This workshop covers the methods used to create perfectly forms poetry and contains exercises to further understand how these methods can be adapted to suit your own style of poetry writing.

In this workshop

To discover how the prefect form works and is used to evoke reactions and stir emotions before the reader has begun reading, this class covers example poetry and explores the methods used to create poems with 'perfect form'.

You will then respond to a series of writing prompts to discover how to use perfect form for yourself to bring new depths into your work.

Now you can

bring new dimensions to your poetry
make poems visually pleasing for readers or gifts
put new skills into your work to improve your poetry even further

What's included?

Your writing is yours to take home and use as reference or the basis for your latest masterpiece.

Radiant Form Poetry Workshop - Obby

Radiant Form Poetry Workshop

Get self-perspective in the 'Disclosure: Art in the Autobiographical' poetry workshop at The Poetry School in London.

Writing about ourselves can be difficult, but with Kathryn Gray, this workshop walks you through the ins and outs of getting autobiographical, without turning your work into a confessional or reducing your experiences to simple form. Learn how to introduce complex and difficult issues into your work through readings, discussion, writing exercises and read-backs.

In this workshop

Working with the theme of individual and personal experiences, this workshop covers the topic of autobiographical poetry through examples from well-known and lesser-known poetry.

There will be readings and discussions surrounding existing works, interspersed with writing prompts and exercises to help you to work on your own writing style and techniques.

Now you can

write personal narrative into poetry
use your own experiences to create unique prose
introduce new techniques into your writing style

What's included?

Your written work is yours to keep to use as reference for future work.

Autobiographical Poetry Workshop - Obby

Autobiographical Poetry Workshop

Explore the theme of shame and how it can be challenged through prose in the 'Poetry vs Shame' workshop at The Poetry School in London

Explore the theme of shame throughout history and the ways in which poetry can address, challenge and overcome shame in its many forms.
Through readings and the discussion of poets such as Daljit Nagra, C. K. Williams, Cavafy and Adrienne Rich, tutor Richard Scott takes the class on a journey through the theme, with writing prompts and inspiration dispersed throughout the workshop.

In this workshop

This workshop contains poetry readings from poets known for covering the topic of shame, including  Daljit Nagra, C. K. Williams, Cavafy and Adrienne Rich. The workshop focuses on how poetry deals with shame, and even confronts and overcomes the issue.

The workshop will involve writing prompts and exercises which will improve and allow you to explore your poetry writing techniques.

Now you can

address emotions in poetic form
understand more about the topic being discussed
improve your poetry skills and learn new techniques for creating

What's included?

Your written work is yours to keep for reference and inspiration

Poetry vs. Shame Workshop - Obby

Poetry vs. Shame Workshop

After much thought and consideration, (looking in to the market, assessing what other people are doing and primarily trying to find the best place for a writing retreat), Tony found the space and set the clock for a superb retreat.

Tony offers something different and unique. Being inspired to write not only involves making the time, but it also helps to be in an atmospheric setting, both beautiful and inspiring at the same time to work on your writing.

You canot fail to feel inspired in the splendour of the clock tower at St Pancras. The beautiful decoration, the stunning panoramic views of London and 10 metre high celings with charm, history culture and architecture do all blend together in a magical way.

This retreat has a maximum of 11 places, and will be allocated on a first come first served basis so if you feel like you want to spend a day on this retreat to work on your writing secure a place today.

The format will run to the following itinerary on the day:

• 10:30 Gather at The Designated Meeting Point

• 10:30-13:00 Introductions and Writing

• 13:00-14:00 Lunch provided* with an open forum giving writers the chance to read out extracts from their work, chat and get feedback from colleagues.

• 14:30-16:30 Two Hours of Writing

• 16:30-17:30 Open forum giving writers the chance to read out extracts from their work, chat and get feedback from fellow writing colleagues until We Finish at 17:30.

Complimentary refreshments also provided throughout the event.

Experience a great setting in St Pancras Clock Tower and have a social element to the day too.

It is advisable to book early to confirm your place and avoid disappointment, please note we prefer you to take off outdoor shoes inside, so a pair of slippers or woolly socks is always a good idea and a treat for your feet!

Tony looks forward to meeting fellow writers to kick start your writing, enjoy working productively and meeting new people.

Writing Retreat London

Join this one-day workshop with award-winning BBC Radio 4 Poet-in-Residence, Daljit Nagra.

In this workshop

In this 1-day workshop, you will undertake writing exercises to help your work take on a deeper engagement with the foreign.

How do you write about distant, beautiful places without sounding politically naïve or patronising?
How do you make foreign places complicatedly beautiful?

You will discover that one approach to help energise such work requires an appreciation of the exotic.

Now you can

Develop a better understanding of exotic poetry
Work on your poetry, near and far
Meet other like-minded poets interested in expanding their knowledge!

Write Exotic Poetry 1-day Workshop - Obby

Write Exotic Poetry 1-day Workshop

Join this 1-day writing workshop with Next Generation Poet Rebecca Goss. Consider the importance of possessions, investigate the pull of memory and look at the drama in domesticity to build your own 'house of poems'.

In this workshop

What is a home? In her poem 'The History of My Father's House' Vona Groarke wants to discover the year her father's house was built, and remembers 'not by year, but by keepsake and event'.

During this one-day workshop you will look at contemporary poems set in kitchens, bathrooms, sitting rooms, bedrooms and explore the drama in domesticity.

Write Your Own House of Poems Workshop - Obby

Write Your Own House of Poems Workshop

Discover poetry's collision with the dictionary and re-make language in this one-day poetry course with Kate Potts.

In this workshop

How might poets use, publicise and critique the dictionary in their work?

Discover poetry's collision with the dictionary through the work of Kei Miller, Mary Kinzie, Solmaz Sharif and Sarah Howe.

You will experiment with dictionary definition form, Oulipan dictionary-related constraints, and dialect words, re-making the language for your own poetic purposes and creating new poems for your collection.

Poetry and the Dictionary Workshop  - Obby

Poetry and the Dictionary Workshop

Specialist courses can enable any individual to master a broad range of topics. With our help and guidance you can pick up tips and use our experience and know-how to get better at a hobby like reading or writing or to gain accredited qualifications.

READING AND WRITING classes, courses, learning kits and gifts on Obby

Writers' Room Workshop

Creating Children's Books One to One Workshop

Creative Writing with Gina De Cagna

Sound Book Workshop

Intro to Book Arts

Narrative Photo Books Workshop

Exploding Human Language Workshop

Reading and Writing with a Tree

Punk Band Project

The Minimum Viable Poem

Making a Mess: Poetry Workshop

Poetry Workshop: Lady Gaga and Shadows

Proverbial: Bird in the Hand Poetry Workshop

Poetry Workshop: Image & Narrative

Berlin Lens: Poetry Workshop

Radiant Form Poetry Workshop

Autobiographical Poetry Workshop

Poetry vs. Shame Workshop

Writing Retreat London

Write Exotic Poetry 1-day Workshop

Write Your Own House of Poems Workshop

Poetry and the Dictionary Workshop

Use obby giftcards
on any learning kit

READING AND WRITING classes, courses, learning kits and gifts on Obby

Writers' Room Workshop

Creating Children's Books One to One Workshop

Creative Writing with Gina De Cagna

Sound Book Workshop

Intro to Book Arts

Narrative Photo Books Workshop

Exploding Human Language Workshop

Reading and Writing with a Tree

Punk Band Project

The Minimum Viable Poem

Making a Mess: Poetry Workshop

Poetry Workshop: Lady Gaga and Shadows

Proverbial: Bird in the Hand Poetry Workshop

Poetry Workshop: Image & Narrative

Berlin Lens: Poetry Workshop

Radiant Form Poetry Workshop

Autobiographical Poetry Workshop

Poetry vs. Shame Workshop

Writing Retreat London

Write Exotic Poetry 1-day Workshop

Write Your Own House of Poems Workshop

Poetry and the Dictionary Workshop

Use obby giftcardson any learning kit

Use obby giftcards
on any learning kit