Masterclasses October 2025
Richard Wheater
Porto, Portugal
€895 / £750
Straight -- Circle: 10th, 11th & 12th
or
Circle -- Sphere: 14th, 15th & 16th
Both Masterclasses will be taught by Neon Workshops founder and artist Richard Wheater, with support from neon assistant Matty Townsend. The 3-day neon class will see our mobile neon facility operate from the studio of celebrated Porto ceramicist Joao Carqueijeiro joaocarqueijeiro.com
No experience is necessary, this unique fast-paced neon class will introduce up to six participants how to bend/blow glass to a template, and turn your shape into a glowing neon red work. We will also be showcasing our user friendly and cost-effective oven pump neon processing method for the first time.
Through demonstrations, talks and having a go, this workshop is suited to those that have a passion for neon and would like to embark into three days of illuminating discovery, learning of its massive potential through practical making, whilst being based in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Terms and conditions apply please click HERE for more details.
Masterclass 2020:
Neon Snakes
SOLD OUT
£750*
October 16th, 17th & 18th
Focus on neon’s place in the landscape with three days of making, installing and documenting, driven by American photographer and more recently neon maker, Steve Fitch (1949). Since the days of Easy Rider (movie) Fitch is among America’s most well-known chroniclers of the American West. This notoriety culminated in 2018 on the release of his book Vanishing Vernacular; a generous sized publication of beautiful light-balanced photographs, detailing neon-clad structures along the changing highway landscape.
No experience necessary. All materials included.
*Does not include meals or accommodation.
A recommended accommodation list is available on request
This masterclass will be based at Neon Workshops, located in Wakefield’s city centre.
Photo:
Insane-o-matic
Steve Fitch
2010
Sculpture in Neon
SOLD OUT
September 28th & 29th
Discover neon through sculpture, with a little help from our neighbours The Hepworth Wakefield. Be inspired with access to world-class artwork, and be introduced to neon as a sculptural material, as we pull out the stops and create an action-packed two days with fire, glass, gas and electricity. Take away your own designed neon sculpture.
Places very limited.
*Price includes high frequency neon power supply, worth £108.
All prices are inclusive of VAT.
Photo:
12 Months of Neon Love
Richard Wheater / Victoria Lucas
2011/ 2012
Neon Green Futures
Richard William Wheater
SOLD OUT
March 13th | 14th | 15th | 16th | 17th
8 places
Hosted at Canberra Glassworks, Australia
As a sign-post retaining nostalgia or a movie prop to project the future, the aesthetic of neon in narrative continues to retain powerful wide appeal. This Masterclass will be driven by Wheater’s renowned methods of using neon as a loaded story telling vehicle. The end result of the class will be less about the object and more the attempt to document a neon-infiltrated environment with perhaps a site-specific neon or action that it plays a role in. Expect the encouragement of experimentation. Expect to tear apart the traditional rule book on neon, how it's made and the role it can play. Expect to move from your comfort zone. Expect to take your work out of the workshop/gallery space, to engage with the world, as we push for new associations with this mysterious charged light.
Photo:
Musician Peter Broderick,
using Richard Wheater’s ’Neon Green Future’s prop’
as part of his 7A performance. 2018
