Abbey Hall Workshop

Picture book powerhouse James Mayhew & Dorien Brouwers will join forces to run an exclusive 2–day workshop at the stunning creative space of Abbey Hall in the quiet countryside of Suffolk.

Together James & Dorien will share their experiences from within the industry, give you personalised instruction and feedback to get the best out of your picture book project and look at the development of your portfolio.

Deep dive into the world of picture books through creative exercises, critiques and dedicated writing & illustrating time. In addition to the above, there will be a Q&A with James & Dorien.

James Mayhew is an illustrator and author of children's books, storyteller, artist and live art performer with a wealth of experience. For over ten years he taught students on the Children's Book Illustration M.A. in Cambridge (Anglia Ruskin University), and has taught courses on writing at the Arvon Foundation, and at Moniack Mhor.
He received The New York Times Award for one of the ten best illustrated books of the year for The Boy and the Cloth of Dreams (story by Jenny Koralek), and has been nominated for the Kate Greenaway Prize (Carnegie) for his work on Mrs Noah's Pockets and Mrs Noah's Garden (Stories by Jackie Morris), Once Upon A Tune and Nen and the Lonely Fisherman (Story by Ian Eagleton), which was awarded the inaugural Polari Prize in 2023.

Saturday 20th – 21st September 2025

  • To apply, please send an email to dorienillustrator@gmail.com containing the following:
    — A brief background about yourself (e.g., illustrator/author, working professional / just starting out, previous books if any)
    — Information about the project you are working on

  • Abbey Hall
    Hoxne Rd
    Eye IP23 7NJ
    United Kingdom

    Abbey Hall is a Scheduled Ancient Monument that has worked closely with English Heritage to repair and revive the original Bake and Brew house, which was built in 1583.

    It’s a mesmerising mixture of old and new architecture, which exudes the romantic values of the site and has a cool and modern sense of purpose.

    Abbey Hall is situated on the site of a c11 Priory on the outskirts of the beautiful market town of Eye, Suffolk.

    Set in 10 acres of water meadows leading to the river Dove and beyond to the magnificent Church of St Peter and St Paul, the landscape is a tranquil example of the English Picturesque.

  • £475,- (early bird discount: £425)

    Lunch is included.

    Accommodation is not included. There is an option to stay at Abbey Hall itself or in town. Please contact us should you need more information.