There is no entrance qualification for a Duckspool course: the only requirement is a strong desire to make photographs or better understand the photographic medium.

Workshops are open to people of all ages (over sixteen) and from all walks of life. Some participants may be using a camera seriously for the first time in their lives; others may be artists already accomplished in the medium who have had work exhibited or published. We welcome absolute beginners and those from other arts interested in the possibilities within photography or who wish to expand their ways of photographic seeing. The mix of people, the first hand experience of the tutors and the remote, rural setting of the house helps ensure the success of the courses.
Duckspool provides the opportunity for living and working with established photographers in an informal atmosphere. While the photographers are called "tutors" they do not give formal lectures but are here to share their skills and imagination, and give personal advice to each member of the course.

Workshops centre around discussing and sharing ideas in both the craft and aesthetics of the photographic process, by meeting and working with other photographers, 'masters' and students. Talks, practical demonstrations, field trips and personal work appraisal all take place in a peaceful yet stimulating environment, conducive to recharging personal batteries.

But do not expect to be spoon-fed. Bring your cameras and all your faculties - quite apart from what is learnt in techniques, a period of time spent living with people of similar obsessions has an amazing effect of clarifying intentions.
Take a look at the piece that Charlie Harbutt wrote about his workshop -you'll get a general feel about ALL workshops.
Apart from special requirements on some workshops, about which you should check with us, there is one thing that is common to all workshops, - essential - always bring some pictures that you have made - from portfolio to en-prints.

OK, but what do we actually do?
Well - we usually start around 7 o'clock on the first evening, A meal and a drink follows,, even for those getting lost and arriving at midnight! Meet and get to know each other informally, sometimes a short talk or slide show or video film. Next morning breakfast is about 8.45, followed often by formal introductions and a quick look at work you've brought with you, interrupted by tea or coffee., then the tutor might show work or set projects or expose a technique or......, lunch is at, well, lunchtime, then the afternoon might be spent shooting on a field trip or in the studio, or talking or printing or looking or...., tea at tea time, we collect film for processing before supper at 7.00pm (a group might go on a wine run).

The evening may be a tutors slide show or discussion of books or starting to look at (critique) participants portfolios (which we can't do if you haven't brought anything with you!) or printing in the darkrooms or talking or zipping off to the pub or reading or sleeping......The next day similar things will happen but their order and intensity will start to be shaped by the dynamics of the group. Throughout your time at Duckspool ideas and craft and techniques will be guided and explained by the particular tutor(s) you have come to meet, all of whom are leading photographers, artists or critics, and experts in their fields.

Most tutors will have original (signed) prints and books for sale at "workshop" prices.

Is that all?
No. You should also have a good, enjoyable holiday, make new friends, and break your everyday routine! Most people find the experience invigorating and exciting. They often surprise and surpass themselves. Each course is intensive but enjoyable. It is hoped that by the end, everyone will feel they have made some fresh departure in their photography, gained both new skills and a new insight and confidence.

Duckspool
Duckspool is an old farm complex, dating from the 16th century, the house is comfortable and welcoming. All areas are centrally heated and the house also has open log fires.

There are two well equipped darkrooms - formats from 35mm to 5x4". The adjoining converted barn is used as a studio and for workshop activities. The meeting/dining room and teaching studio/exhibition area contain projection facilities and an extensive library of photographic books and magazines.

Accommodation at Duckspool is on a shared room, full board basis. If not staying 'in house' single rooms are available locally, ranging from farmhouse B&B's and country guest houses, through to the first class hotels of Taunton or rural settings in Wordsworth and Coleridge country near Nether Stowey. All meals are taken at Duckspool, and all dietary persuasions are catered for.

Environs
At the head of a valley on the Quantock Hills, Duckspool is set against National Trust wooded streamland. Footpaths lead from the house in all directions, to moorland top or thickly wooded valley bottom. The Quantock Hills, England's first A.O.N.B., fully deserve the designation. This small exquisite range of hills is a mere 12 miles long by about 3 miles wide, rising from the Bristol Channel and the wetlands of the Somerset Levels to the giddy heights of Wills Neck at 1200ft. Looking out from the hills, over the heaths and wooded coombes to Exmoor (10miles), Dartmoor (40miles), over the Bristol Channel to the Brecon Beacons in Wales (50miles) or Glastonbury Tor's mysterious mound (30miles), has been described as a feeling close to flying without wings!

Take a look:

• Andrew Crosse previous owner of Fyne Court, National Trust. Associations with Mary Shelley
• National Trust Properties Somerset
• SOMERSET TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
• Welcome to Somerset

Rural Retreat
Between course dates the house, barn (studio/workshop space) and darkroom facilities, are available for individuals, small groups, colleges, camera clubs or organisations; either for field trips, holidays or teaching purposes. Personal tuition and darkroom use can be arranged.

The facilities and accommodation are offered on a Bed & Breakfast or self-catering basis as a spacious retreat for exhibition preparation, novel writing or just dropping out!

Travel
Duckspool is 150 miles South West of central London - around 3 hours via the M4/M5 route - traffic allowing, and about 7 miles (15 minutes) from the motorway (Junction 23 M5). Intercity trains are direct from Scotland, the Midlands and South Wales. London (Paddington) takes less than two hours. Excellent and affordable motorway coaches arrive at Taunton from all over the country.

30 mins. from Bristol and Exeter Airports.
OS grid reference: ST 220328
For more details go to Duckspool Travel Details

We hope very much that you find the programme interesting and that we will see you here at Duckspool before long. There are over 25 different workshops with many new tutors including Jane Prophet, Nick Waplington, Melanie Manchot, Greg Lucas, Andy Earl Paul Wombell and Keith Arnatt.
Our fees have been kept at last year’s levels and we hope that along with various discounts and the possibility of bursary grants, that those of limited means will find it easier to attend.

At the end of a ‘Duckspool Experience’ many find answers to that question.

Poolside Despatches 1998
It’s 12 years since Duckspool opened its doors. From recent reports the food has only got better! Peter made the pumpkin soup again on David Gepp’s first workshop (smells of glue and plastic emerging from the barn as pinhole cameras were manufactured and strange looking paper negatives produced oohs and ahs as they were printed or occasionally scanned on the computer and gently sepia toned....). Oh yes, unfortunately the pumpkin collapsed a bit - but the soup tasted great - David, who is vegetarian said it was the best he’s ever tasted, Peter, who is not, added some chicken stock to his and the other carnivores and agreed!

Chris Killip’s first visit was a great success. Chris’s knowledge of the American college scene (he runs the photography dept. at Harvard) produced many late night rapping sessions on the porch - too many photographers it seems are having trouble giving up smoking! Susan Derges’s session with its darktent looking a bit like the Tardis (q.v.) was an amazing exhibition of the new synthesis between the arts and sciences - suggestions for organic control of the Ragwort in the field where Sue’s horses are kept (it’s poisonous!) were much appreciated. It was a very stimulating year at Duckspool. Fay Godwin and John Blakemore seem to produce something new and inspiring each time they visit. It really is an honour to host such talented artists and teachers, so often the two talents don’t seem to go together - but not here! Last year we had our oldest (92) and youngest (9 weeks) participants. Housk and Pia’s baby contributed greatly as a model on the electronic workshop, results of which can be seen on this Web site.

Why go to exotic climes when our fabulous English summer produced warm Etruscan evenings? Parasols in the garden sparkled with candles and lights while the aromas of Louise’s wonderful food mingled with the honeysuckle, as John Goto and friends discussed photography, social responsibility, Albert and the Lion, life, the universe and everything. Whither photography? Most of the workshops last year had Peter enticing participants into the electronic studio for a quick demonstration of Photoshop or an introduction to the Internet. The thing that makes the ‘electronic’ workshops stand out is that they are geared around making PHOTOGRAPHS - this is unusual! Nowhere else will you get a complete introduction to photography via electronic means and to computers if you need it, or an in depth hands on opportunity to take, make, tweak, print and publish photographs without having computer jargon unnecessarily addling your brain. What of 1998? Mark Power, truly hot property in British photography makes his first visit, as does Homer Sykes one of our most respected recorders of the British scene. Susan Meiselas and Leonard Freed are returning as are Martin Parr and Mari Mahr - taking time out from very busy schedules - take advantage of these infrequent opportunities, they may not occur again for a long time. Judy Dater’s special workshop was such a success that she’ll be back in the Autumn. The year finishes with Lewis Baltz and Slavica Perkovic - the Quantocks may never be the same again! Not least, Charlie Harbutt will return in June - we have already received half a dozen bookings for this remarkable workshop that sums up what Duckspool is all about.

When, as the saying goes, you’ve been there and done that, come to Duckspool and clear your head for what really matters. Original and exciting work, either appreciating or making, starts with understanding what pleases YOU, unexpectedly you will find that, while that concept can’t be taught, in some strange way it seeps into your bones and remains with you long after the ‘Duckspool experience’.

Poolside Despatches 1997
On reflection 1997 is really our 10th year - so we’re going to have an anniversary celebration all over again! Last year didn’t quite produce the Duckspool alumni shows and publication, but we’re still working on it - so all contributions of ideas, time or skills are very welcome!

However last year the big tree did come down, leaving a wondrous 25ft totem, on which, so far, very little carving has been attempted - so bring your whittling knives for those quiet contemplative moments! - and the Ducks are back - after paying some careful attention to our wildlife reserve( the pool) the ducks have returned to Duckspool.

1996 saw some great workshops - not least Leonard Freed coming to terms with the English seaside at Weston Super Mahray as it is now known. (have you ever visited Dee-von?). Martin Parr spent the first evening of his workshop with all the participants at Bridgwater Carnival, as ethnic a piece of British street theatre to be found anywhere in the country. Nearly every workshop saw Peter introducing participants to the wonders of electronic photography and the Internet - so much so that he’s doing a couple of computer phobes friendly weekends in 1997.

Susan Derges couldn’t make it in ’96 but is coming in ‘97 - June 19th - I just found a quote in Readers Digest (you know where that lives!), that echoes Susan’s quote of Ruskin’s quote (see her workshop details). Joan Miro - "When I go for a stroll, I contemplate the ground or the sky, never the scenery. To me a blade of grass has more importance than a tall tree, a pebble more than a mountain; a dragonfly ranks with an eagle" Not many eagles at Duckspool, quite a few buzzards, and plenty of dragonflies!

Other memorable moments - Peter’s pumpkin soup - delivered in pumpkin and all - closely followed the amazing fish soup with aoili that Louise prepared. While Sue’s Somerset Apple and Sausage Plait has become a firm favourite! The recipes, and much else, including latebreaking news, are on our web pages at www.duckspool.com

Thinking of food - which we often do - our traditional first night Chilli is often accompanied by tales from the local area. For those of you that may have missed my introductory story, let me remind you of our illustrious history. In the great age of industrial invention the wizard Crosse lived at Fyne Court, just across the field from us - dressed like the sorcerers apprentice he used to conduct experiments with electricity throwing precious metals like copper and magnesium into an electric arc and getting loud and colourful flashes (sort of like early photography?). Known locally as the Thunder & Lightning man he is said to have been Frankenstein’s father - if you want to know the rest - guess you’ll have to savour that chilli - and yet another telling of this true story! Talking of Truths and Fictions - Pedro Meyer hopes to be at Duckspool, possibly in the Summer of ‘97, keep your diaries handy!

Due to pressure of work both Charlie Waite and Mari Mahr can’t make it in 1997. Jan Groover can’t return for a while and Martin Parr is off round the world and won’t be back for a few years - so - make sure you don’t miss any of the exciting visitors - they may not pass this way again soon.

Great news from Martin Figura the army accountant who came on Martin Parr’s and Dewi Lewis’s workshop - Dewi is going to publish Martin’s pictures, which after much anguished debate, round the dinner table, over the pictures, strolling in Five Pond Wood and sprawled on the sofa will be called "This Mans Army" - apparently the symmetry of the four letters will make great typography on the cover - just the sort of world shattering debate that goes on at Duckspool!. Less frivolously though, it’s good to hear of past participants who are making it in the jungle out there. I mean John Blakemore came on a Jan Groover workshop, Fay Godwin on John Goto’s - and look at them now!.

Come to think of it, workshops all those years ago at Paul Hill’s Photographers Place, with Charlie Harbutt and Paul Caponigro, started this whole thing off! So, while not promising to make you rich, I’ll bet your time at Duckspool will stay with you for the rest of your life......

1986-1996 Ten Years of Photography Workshops

 Poolside Despatches 1996
1996 is Duckspool's Tenth Anniversary year - does anyone remember our first meeting in the unconverted barn in June of 1986, or Fay Godwin's first workshop over midsummer 1987? We had nearly every meal in the garden and the not quite completed darkroom meant alfresco sessions for selenium toning?

Much water into the Duckspool since then! We hope that 1996-97 will contain some special 10th Anniversary events - shows of Tutors and Participants work is planned along with a publication. Anyone with skills and time get in touch! Also we've changed the design of the prospectus this year. Hope you like Peter's foray into portraiture - all done with his video camera! Can't miss at 25 frames a second! (Or can he?). But with Brian Griffin coming back there's the chance to take some extra lessons. Even so, as critics are prone to tell the in-house graphic design group (Peter) - it's still not exactly on the cutting edge of contemporary design!.....

Last summer was really amazing - often too hot to eat outside, Peter, Ian, Arthur and Gair's attempts to erect a sunshade were admirable, though it invariably blew away overnight. Thank goodness for the 20" walls which meant that the inglenook room kept cool - though not particularly on the night of 26th July when we celebrated Sue's 40th birthday and Charlie Harbutt's milestone 60th. Our delicious food gets written about so much in the visitors' book that we are thinking of producing the "Duckspool Gastronomique" recipe book!

Outside, the photographers' garden is coming on apace - Jan Groover's fruit pear trees, John Blakemore's tortuosa willow and Fay Godwin's ornamental pear amongst others . . . . Peter's apple trees at last provided enough for a variety of desserts in the autumn!

We really must do some work on the 'Pool's dam - the water level's going down. The Wellingtonia tree has died a natural death, but we hope to immortalise it by transforming it into a vertical carving! Any landscape architects or totem pole artists wanna do a trade?

Picking one or two of last year's great sessions is difficult - Susan Meiselas's visit resulted in really high standard contemporary photo-essays, the starting point being the re-enactment by The Sealed Knot, of the Battle of Sedgemoor! Charlie Harbutt once again produced thank you letters saying "I'll never be the same again", and one person on Fay Godwin's workshop wrote that the penny had finally dropped from the previous year! Peter's attack of gout coincided conveniently with being able to sit down on the electronic workshop. Ram (Dr) Patel's advance, from never having used a mouse and a computer solely for writing patients' prescriptions, to producing some stunning photographs/montages in a hundredth of the time he normally took with conventional methods was wondrous to behold. All this and looking after Peter's foot too!

While on the subject of new technology we have a generous donation of two superb cold cathode enlargers from John Goto - why? Because he has converted his studio, to a "dry colour computer darkroom" (sic) - great that technology is now really getting into the hands of truly talented working artists!

Sorry to the losers in the draw for the John Blakemore fine print - but delighted that Ann Malmgren from Denmark won it - problem now is how to dispatch it without breaking the glass - anyone going to Denmark in the near future?

Gena is approaching five and looks forward to visits referring to you all as the 'friends' - it about sums it up for us too.