Students Testimonials

“I first came to Beatrice with my husband and daughter (all total beginners) for two private sessions. We all got completely absorbed and produced pieces that we were proud of. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed handling the clay and how calming it was.

The studio and garden environment is very inspiring and I found Beatrice’s teaching style really effective, with gentle guidance and support that puts you in control of the process but with lots of support when needed; her eye and advice is invaluable to help point you in the right direction.

I have now got hooked and have been coming to a regular fortnightly class for the past term. I am gaining so much from these sessions, both about shape and form but also about myself and the way that I work. Sculpting helps me to slow down and pay attention to detail in a way that I am finding very therapeutic.” M.C

“Wow what a fantastic experience my partner and I had with Beatrice at her studio. Beatrice was so hospitable and welcoming, she was a fantastic tutor and from start to finish she was attentive to our needs giving us amazing top tips and insider info from an artistic perspective. We will be going back again for another class in the future, we had SO much fun. 10/10 would recommend.” Caroline

“This term, I’ve been fortunate to find an occasional space on Beatrice’s very popular sculpting course. This has been a fantastic, life-changing experience for me. Beatrice very quickly gets you started, and then guides you, not only in simple technique, but also in how to make your work appealing and beautiful. She never dictates to you, but offers advice from her years of being a wonderful sculptor herself. I really couldn’t recommend her course enough – I have so much to learn!” Katharine Rynell

““Beatrice’s sculpture workshops have been very inspiring. I have enjoyed every minute, learnt a lot and spent quality time with like minded people. Highly recommended!”” Louisa Nahas

“I have never sculpted before and I undertook the ambitious task of my dogs head. I can honestly say I have really enjoyed the classes, Beatrice has taught me so much about sculpting. The sessions are very relaxed, where you can go at your own pace. Beatrice’s style of teaching is informal, which I much prefer, providing help as and when was needed. Her extensive experience gently instructed me at each stage of my sculpture, which helped me overcome problems and aided me to move my work along. I can highly recommend the classes.” Michaela Greene 

“I am a newly retired lady who is trying to tap into her creative side and I have really been able to let that flow in the sculpture classes run by Beatrice Hoffman. Beatrice is inspirational , charming and so knowledgable. Beatrice takes the time to work with you to find out your inner passions which she then develops with you. The classes are thought provoking and you are totally absorbed in your work. All the students are full of passion for their work, but it’s also fun and friendly. I feel I have started to find a passion for sculpture that will develop more and more with each class.”

Karen Ryan

“I look forward to the weekly class with Beatrice from the moment it finishes when I return home exhilarated and exhausted. Beatrice is both a successful sculptor and an inspiring teacher. Our class embraces a variety of styles of sculpture and Beatrice both helps and extends our resulting achievements by her gentle but rigorous tuition. Our talk is not limited to our own efforts but Beatrice has references and examples from all ages to broaden our outlook. Her own work is assured and both wonderfully inventive and professional. We also have great fun and at 76 of age this is an elixir!”

Sue Blenkinsop

“I have been attending Beatrice’s sculpture sessions for nearly four years now, which speaks for itself. They are very addictive and often the high point of my week – something I do just for me and that is totally absorbing. The time flies by. Beatrice is very skilled at pitching her teaching at whatever level you are working. She very quickly sets beginners at their ease and helps them achieve satisfying results right from the start. The more you progress – and you do – the more she stretches you, encouraging you through the inevitable times of frustration and challenging you to attempt that extra 20% that makes the difference between an ok result and one that is more satisfying than you thought you could achieve. Alongside the practical skills you learn, you also find that your eye is constantly being trained. There aren’t many things that you can start late in life and get significantly better at when you are in your 70’s, but under Beatrice’s tutelage, I have. Beatrice is very kind, the groups are mutually supportive and the coffee is delicious!”  Sue C.

“Fantastic class. Beatrice is a brilliant artist and a very warm host. Her knowledge of sculpture is fantastic and her eye for detail is great. She’s never afraid to tell you or show you where a sculpture doesn’t work and how to rectify it.” Tom Malloy

“I love these classes. I love the teacher, the group and the activity. I find myself totally absorbed in what I am doing, leaving my day to day worries completely behind. Beatrice is a very good teacher and gives encouragement and guidance whenever needed, and her mantra that mistakes are an important part of the creative process helps build confidence that there is no right or wrong way of doing things. I’m very pleased with the sculptures I have produced over the four terms that I have attended, in spite of much self-doubt along the way. If anyone says to me “I couldn’t do that”, I say “I’m sure you could”.” Alice Fuller

“Beatrice is a thoughtful teacher with an extensive knowledge. Her enthusiasm never wanes, striving to stretch each individual student’s capacity for improvement to the max. I have found the sessions to be extremely therapeutic and immersive. The workshop is held in a charming space at Beatrice’s home, with access to a wonderful garden for working outside or quiet reflection. The atmosphere is supportive without being overpowering, with advice in bucket loads or opportunities for gentle concentration as needed. There are a vast array of tools, resources and stimuli readily available at all times.” Cathy F.

“Beatrice is an inspiring teacher who gives you the confidence to be creative. The sessions are relaxed and friendly, but you learn such a lot…. smooth squidgy clay and tools that are great fun to use. There are loads of books and artefacts for inspiration too. I’ve been for several terms because I find it so absorbing and addictive, and in that time I’ve seen students produce beautiful sculptures… often surprising themselves! I would recommend everyone to give it a go!” Helen Charles

“I have attended four of Beatrice Hoffman’s Clay Sculpture workshops and have enjoyed every minute of each one. I have been to weekend workshops and one-day ones, and in those few sessions I have learnt a massive amount about working with this fabulous material. This is mainly because Beatrice is an inspiring teacher, who allows her students to develop their own creative ideas whilst working alongside them to teach relevant skills and techniques. It is also a very relaxing and therapeutic pastime – the time just flies! She is painstaking in her advice and instruction and makes the sessions fun and enjoyable. Her enthusiasm is infectious and I have become very keen myself to produce more clay sculptures and improve my skills. I am looking forward to the next one, and would recommend her workshops to anyone, beginner or the more experienced student – you will enjoy it!” Anne Leadbetter

“Beatrice’s workshops are unique. Each participant is free to choose his or her own direction and there is a treasure trove of photographs and books and models for inspiration. She is a very attentive and intuitive teacher who seems to be able to tune in to the needs of each of the participants, whilst still imparting her knowledge to the whole group.

The variety of sculptures produced by the group speaks for itself. There is enormous satisfaction in taking a lump of clay, and over the course of a number of weeks, fashioning it into whatever you want, only limited by your imagination and the end of the class. It is the most concentrated 3 hours in my week and the time flies by!” Nicola Keane

“Beatrice’s workshops are unique. Each participant is free to choose his or her own direction and there is a treasure trove of photographs and books and models for inspiration. She is a very attentive and intuitive teacher who seems to be able to tune in to the needs of each of the participants, whilst still imparting her knowledge to the whole group.

The variety of sculptures produced by the group speaks for itself. There is enormous satisfaction in taking a lump of clay, and over the course of a number of weeks, fashioning it into whatever you want, only limited by your imagination and the end of the class. It is the most concentrated 3 hours in my week and the time flies by!”

Nicola Keane