I love teaching and the opportunity to give others the chance to learn how to make and craft. For 2024 Class dates see below. I always try to ensure that the students have ownership of their work and get to make something they really want. I have been teaching for over 15 years and in 2018 opened my new workshop at the Devon Applied Arts Workshop where I now run the majority of my stained glass courses. These are one day weekend classes, Evening classes or occasionally bonus weekday and half day classes. I also run private tution day classes, often for couples or family members who want to make a panel together. Vouchers are available if you want to purchase a class as a present.
Courses 2024
The One Day classes start at 9.30am and finish around 5pm and cost £130.
I encourage students to develop their own projects. Classes are suitable for both beginners and returners/experienced. For beginners that means finding a project that can be completed in one day. So I will discuss by email what is doable and together devise a plan ahead of the day. For returners attending multiple classes it is possible to explore larger projects and we can establish how many sessions that might take per project. Students attempting a larger project often attend both weekend days, saturday as a beginner and then continuing with their project on the sunday, with discounts applied for the second day.
Here are the dates until the middle of 2024 To book a place(s) please email me directly through the website contact tab to secure your place.
Apr. FULL Sat 20th
An experienced students only day on Sun April 21st.
May Sun 26th
Jul Sat 20th
Autumn dates
Sept Sat 28th or Sun 29th
Oct. Sat 26th
Nov Sat 23rd
Dec. Sat 7th
Note that I run other private classes on an on-demand basis. These cost £375 total for up to 3 people, and then an extra £105 per additional person over the 3.
I also periodically run specialism days such as a Glass Painting and Silver Staining class that will focus just on the amazing techniques of kiln fired painting, using special formulas of paint, working on the light box to produce subtle effects and detail. A must if you want to take your glass skills to the next level but suitable for beginners as well. Email me to enquire about these specialised dates.
What's included in the price?
The course fee of £130 per student covers a one day class and this includes materials for a piece around A4 size and all tools are provided. Children (age 9-16yrs) attending with a full paying adult can have a discounted child course fee of £105. An additional materials charge, at cost, may be made for "epic" projects above the A4 size, or using special materials but this will be discussed fully in advance. Many students choose to become returners if they have a larger project to work on or want to continue with the craft. If this is of interest to you please enquire when you make your booking. Again for larger projects there may be additional materials costs but these will be discussed on enquiry.
Wear warm "workshop" clothes, no fluffy jumpers (tend to catch fragments). No open toed sandals or shoes.
The course is not suitable for pregnant women or for students who are not capable of following the safety and instruction guidance. I do reserve the right to remove a student from a class if it becomes evident they are unable to safely follow instructions (only ever happened once in 15 years of teaching!)
If you already have tools from doing glass classes previously please mark them in some way before bringing them. It can be a good idea to bring a board or something to take your piece home on/in. Also a tool box/plastic box/large Tupperware box is a good idea to keep any glass pieces safe if you are planning to attend a number of classes.
Tea and coffee is provided but, if you prefer, do bring your own thermos flask. Please also bring your own packed lunch.
Venue
Devon Applied Arts Workshop at Dunsmore
Silverton
Exeter
Devon
EX5 4DU
Once you have attended a class with me you are eligible for special Returners Privileges for any additional ongoing classes you may attend, please ask about this when you book.
Additional DAAW class dates inc Evening classes will be posted as they become available
Private Classes and Rent-a-bench
Sometimes students want my full attention, if they have a large project in mind or simply want me to themselves for one to one tuition. I try to offer a range of ways of learning and offer private courses tailored to individual needs. This last year I have run a lot of private classes both for individuals, couples and groups of family or friends. Please enquire about availability for dates and costs. Prices range from £375 for 3 people for a full day to proportional lower cost for shorter or half days.
For those who simply want the space and equipment to hand I offer a rent-a-bench approach where for a small hourly fee students can use the space under my supervision while I work on my commissions.
To book please email me by going to the contacts tab!
Buildcraft Teaching
Periodically I also teach classes and lead projects (both client and volunteer basis) in building skills, generally this is Lime rendering and Cob related. I have a real passion for passing on skills and knowledge so I am always ready to give guidance, instruction and lead support to homeowners, groups, schools and organisations. Please get in touch if this service is of interest. Teaching this year was on a strawbale roundhouse in South west wales. Covered clay and lime plastering.
Client and Student Feedback
“This is an excellent course, and Matt gives individual tuition and encouragement to all concerned. The choice and colours of glass and the methods used to produce lovely pieces of work makes for a very enjoyable day and all concerned were happy with their results. This course is addictive and to anyone who is looking for an opportunity to learn or develop a new skill in a relaxed atmosphere with friendly like-minded people I'd say - give it a go - you won't be disappointed. I'm just looking forward to the next class!”
Rosemary Pinn
“Matthew le Breton's traditional and Tiffany stained glass course was all it promised. He takes care to have prior notice of individual plans and so he welcomes us with suitable equipment and materials. He is well aware of H&S issues and has protective equipment and gives good instruction, The gradual progress and demonstration means that we can all move forward confidently without overload. He is well supported by Nina, assistant, so that there is always someone to hand to help and remind us.
The regular monthly Sundays give scope for larger projects and investigation and I expect to be a regular attender to these workshops so conveniently located (for me) in Bradninch. What a marvellous discovery.I have been to several stained glass workshops in my quest for skills and to find one so excellent and close to home is a gift indeed!”
Gillian Bathe
“Having already dipped my toe into the stained glass water, I came to the class with 2 techniques I wanted to master and left knowing so much more. 2 terms of evening classes had taught me the confidence to cut glass and copper foil it, but even the tuition about cutting on Matt's course was valuable as I learned new techniques and improved my speed and confidence. I feel ready to try came work now as well. Matt is very patient and clearly has a passion for this type of work. His enthusiasm is infectious and I only wish I lived nearer to attend again. Handouts supplied after the course were an unexpected and helpful addition. How many times have I wondered at the array of glass available to buy and never felt certain about the choices I was making?
Thank you, Matt. Your course comes highly recommended.”
Julie Edge
