Coach House Arts (Vik Westaway)

Willow sculpture workshops in Cullompton – Coach House Arts (Vik Westaway)

Coach House Arts is the Cullompton studio of Vik Westaway (Victoria Westaway). An award-winning willow and wire sculptor creating bespoke pieces for gardens, parkland and public spaces across Devon and beyond. Work is made to commission in collaboration with clients. Each sculpture designed to sit naturally and harmoniously in its surroundings.

Looking for willow sculpture workshops in Cullompton? As well as studio commissions and exhibitions, Vik runs hands-on sessions for a wide range of ages and abilities. Workshops are taught in small groups (typically 6–8 people). Making a welcoming way to learn the core techniques and create your own sculpture to take home. Popular masterclasses include reindeer, hares, geese, herons, hens, ducks and abstract forms (subjects vary by date).

Opening times: 10am–4pm, Monday to Friday. The studio is open to visitors, but please call ahead on 01884 216409 to book an appointment.

Workshops: Full-day willow sculpture workshops in Cullompton start from £85 per person (prices vary by session).

Accessibility: Vik has experience supporting children and adults with autism in art classes. If you have specific access needs, please get in touch in advance so the session can be adapted where possible.

Interesting facts

Gidley Coach House was formerly the stable for Heyford House, owned by Dr and Mrs Gidley. Mrs Gidley was a prominent figure in early 20th-century Cullompton. She founded a hand-weaving enterprise (Cullompton Weavers) to provide local employment, and helped establish Women’s Institutes in the area. In 1950, St John Ambulance purchased the building and renamed it St John House. First aid courses ran here until 2010.

In 2016, Vik and her partner Gray bought St John House with unsafe wiring, a leaking roof and a flood-prone ground floor. After years of restoration (and a new name celebrating the former owners), they now live upstairs. Having transformed the ground floor into a light-filled studio, gallery and workshop space where Vik creates her sculptures.

Awards

• Chelsea Flower Show award
• Silver-gilt and gold awards (in collaboration with garden designers)