In the heart of the Shropshire countryside, a place of artistry and craftsmanship is quietly thriving. Welcome to Master the Art, a school dedicated to preserving and passing on the finest decorative techniques, founded by master gilder Roger Newton and his daughter, Kate Elwell.
The story begins in 2021, but its roots stretch much further back. Roger Newton is one of the last remaining master gilders in the UK, having trained in 1955 at the hallowed studio of Colefax and Fowler, before setting up his own workshop on London’s King’s Road in 1961. His expertise has graced the finest private collections, National Trust properties, and some of the grandest interiors in Britain. Kate, his youngest daughter, grew up with paintbrush in hand, assisting her father before carving out a successful career in financial PR. Yet the pull of those formative paints and brushes ultimately proved irresistible and, in 2020, she and her family exchanged London for Shropshire, where she and Roger transformed an outbuilding into a studio and launched Master the Art.
“Today, the school offers classes in modern decoupage, marbled paper, block printing, willow weaving, oil painting, lampshade making, chair caning, and even botanical metal art. There’s a class for every kind of creative soul, whether a complete novice or a seasoned maker.
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What began as a small school focusing on three-day intensive courses in gilding and decorative paint – where students learn to replicate marble, malachite, tortoiseshell, and more – has since expanded into a veritable creative sanctuary. People fly in from around the world to learn these exquisite, historic techniques. But Kate and Roger quickly realised their appetite for craft extended beyond their own specialisms. With a wealth of experts on their doorstep, Master the Art soon began hosting an array of one-day workshops dedicated to heritage skills.
Today, the school offers classes in modern decoupage, marbled paper, block printing, willow weaving, oil painting, lampshade making, chair caning, and even botanical metal art. There’s a class for every kind of creative soul, whether a complete novice or a seasoned maker. Each course is carefully curated to provide not just technical expertise but also a moment of often much-needed screen-free respite – a chance to slow down, learn a skill, and leave with something truly beautiful.
‘Taking time for yourself is so important,’ says Kate. ‘But taking time for yourself and learning a new skill is incredible. The satisfaction of creating something tangible, something you didn’t think you were capable of, is so therapeutic.’
Every detail is designed to be as inspiring as the crafts themselves. Courses include all necessary materials and a delicious home-cooked, locally sourced lunch, with accommodation available for those wishing to turn their workshop into a countryside retreat. Bespoke packages can also be arranged for groups looking to share the experience.
Beyond the studio, Master the Art has extended its vision into an online shop, offering hand-painted wall sconces, decorative bins, and tissue boxes adorned with malachite, lapis, tortoiseshell, and porphyry finishes – each one a testament to the enduring beauty of traditional craftsmanship.
For those yearning to reconnect with their creative instincts, this wonderful school offers a rare opportunity to master skills that have adorned the finest interiors for centuries. Whether gilding, painting, or crafting, the invitation is simple: step into the studio, slow down, and create something extraordinary.
Explore the full range of courses and book here.
