Regent Academy

Regent Academy runs many successful art and design courses to which this site offers a comprehensive introduction. The site is a little old fashioned in its design and annoyingly sensitive to the cursor. Each time it was tested, merely placing the cursor over a highlighted area was sufficient to switch between pages. A frustrating process, and one which led to much irritation in the reviewing of this site.

Much is made of prices being discounted for booking over the internet, but it is not made clear what the standard price would be.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Successful Interior Design provides tips and advice for beginners wanting to transform their homes. This course represents between 150 and 200 hours work divided into 25 lessons, from paint finishes to transforming loft rooms. The package includes audio and videotapes, and even a set of watercolour paints to help you with your designs. Once you've completed this course, you're eligible for a City & Guilds Certificate.

Professional Interior Design builds on the first course and allows students to progress to a professional level, with advice on setting up your own consultancy, and the particular challenges of designing for homes, hotels, bars, restaurants, and offices. Taught in 10 modules, the package includes video and audio tapes on job hunting and working from home. Completion of the course allows students to qualify for an Advanced City & Guilds Certificate.

Discover Decorative Paint Effects teaches a wide range of skills for transforming walls and furniture. The ubiquitous ragging, stippling, and combing are covered, as well as more adventurous finishes such as granite and tortoiseshell.

Master Soft Furnishings aims to 'help give your home a unique personality'. You should also learn how to create window treatments, bed furnishings, cushion covers and lampshades.

OTHER FEATURES

Understanding Antiques aims to encourage confidence in new collectors. Written by Sotheby's experts, including David Battie of Antiques Roadshow fame, you need never again quake in the face of a flea market, or be a bashful bidder at auction. Students completing the course are eligible for a City & Guilds Certificate in the History of English Furniture.

Attendance Courses in Successful Interior Design are taught over 16 evenings at the Regent Academy's London headquarters. One-week Interior Design and Antiques courses are also taught.

Free Advisory Service offers enrolled students a free phone number to call for help and advice with their projects.