Citadel Sessions: Art at the Western Heights

Join us at The Citadel Café on Tuesday 7 October 2025, 6-8pm for a relaxed and welcoming evening of creativity, conversation, and community.

In this hands-on art session, David Cooper, a local artist and experienced art tutor, will help you create artwork inspired by the unique landscape and history of the Western Heights. Whether you're a complete beginner or already love to draw or paint, this is a chance to explore your creativity in a friendly, supportive setting.

About the event:

You’ll have the chance to try sketching, painting, and pastel techniques, using local stories and surroundings as inspiration. Acrylics, pastels, watercolours, pencils, and paper will be provided, but you’re also welcome to bring your own art supplies and canvas if you prefer.

We recommend exploring the Western Heights beforehand and bringing photos with you—this way you’ll have more time to create with David's expert guidance.

And if you’re not feeling creative, that’s okay too! You’re very welcome to join us just for tea, biscuits, and a chat.

About the facilitator:

David Cooper is a local artist with over 50 years’ experience teaching art. He has led a fascinating life, studying at the Moseley School of Art in Birmingham as a young man, working as a Batman artist for DC Comics in New York in the 1970s, and leading art holidays in Greece and on Fred Olsen cruises. Now living locally, he has developed a soft spot for Kent landscapes and seascapes and enjoys capturing their beauty in his artwork. He volunteers with English Heritage to share his passion, knowledge, and experience with others.

About Citadel Sessions:

Citadel Sessions is a series of free monthly events where you can explore the Western Heights through history, art, creative writing, and more. Come to one session or join us for the whole series—it’s entirely up to you.

Spaces are limited to 30, so please book in advance to reserve your spot. We’d love to see you there!

This event is part of English Heritage's Reaching Greater Heights project and Dover District Council's Western Heights Regeneration project.

Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. Reaching Greater Heights is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to restore historic chalk grasslands at Dover Castle and Western Heights, protect rare wildlife and heritage, and empower local communities through volunteering, learning, and activities.

With support from Historic England and the UK Government, Dover District Council are working to regenerate Dover’s Western Heights—restoring historic views, improving safety, and reconnecting the site with the town through conservation, community engagement and heritage-led regeneration.