Visit to The Bath Flower School
Last week we were invited along to The Bath Flower School, to attend the first day of their 2 day Large Scale Installation Course.
Held at a great venue in the centre of Bath, surrounded by beautiful buildings and pretty streets, The Museum of Bath at Work was the perfect space to create in. A lovely open, well lit space.
I got the chance to catch up with Verity and Saffy before the course began. It was great to hear all about how things have been progressing since they embarked on their own flower school journey last November. Both having worked for a number of years for the Tallulah Rose Flower School, which has now relocated to Kendal. Both experienced florists in their own right, they are really at ease when it comes to teaching others, setting a relaxed and friendly atmosphere from the very beginning.
“We have a very personable approach, smaller intimate groups, and really look to nurture the individual. Everything is tailored to their needs, and we like to ask a lot of questions to begin with to get a good understand of everyone attending”
They offer a number of courses designed to help elevate already established florists, giving them the skills and confidence to try new things, and move their floristry on to a higher level.
Everything they teach looks at sustainable methods and mechanics, which really helps florists who are wanting to move away from using floral foam. Using mainly British and locally grown flowers when they can, they work with a number of local growers to provided the best seasonal flowers for you to work with.
There was a really lovely selection of flowers, foliage and dried flowers to choose from. Throughout this course florists get the opportunity to create a number of different installations.
The first day started with a hanging installation. Once mechanics were discussed and in place, florists were left to freely create something of their choice, it was amazing to see the results from the basic frame they began with. They used mostly dried flowers and grasses, which were so effective on mass. They did such a great job! It was a great opportunity for them to learn what a commission like this would take, in terms of time, quantity of materials and also costs.
After a super healthy ‘green’ lunch, everyone moved on to creating large urn arrangements, which were made and positioned in the church just next door. Florists could choose freely what style, flowers and colours they wanted to go with, ensuring all end results were really different.
Their second day involved creating flowers for a moongate, and mantel arrangements, something currently so popular with brides, another really great skill to master.
I loved the feel of the day, and the way Verity and Saffy gave freedom to the florists to explore all topics with ease, they were there to guide them and inform them about the important basics, and oversee and advise when needed. A great way to learn new methods and skills, but most importantly increase your confidence and creativity with your own floristry.
It was lovely meeting everyone who attended, especially one of our member florists Rebecca, who runs her own floral business. She has experience with creating installations, but wanted to learn further mechanics for creating without the use of floral foam. It was really interesting to see that everyone attending was there for slightly different reasons, and all in different stages of their floral careers.
It was lovely to hear about their full experience and how they felt the course had benefited them.
“I spent a glorious couple of days at The Bath Flower School learning foam free mechanics. It’s easy when you know how. Saffy and Verity are incredibly happy to share their wealth of knowledge, very encouraging and great company. I’d highly recommend them and can’t wait to do another course. ”
“What a fabulous two days it was. We learnt how to make the most beautiful installations, all foam free. I have walked away feeling inspired and much more confident!”
We’re looking forward to attending their Floraltography course in March, it will be great to get a full feel of the day as a florist, and learn some new photography skills!
The Bath Flower School will be running this same course again in March. Details, and information about other courses they offer are available on the website.