About Quwupu
Bringing the ancient art of paper folding to modern learners across London and beyond
Our Story
Quwupu began in 2016 when three paper folding enthusiasts met at a community workshop in Chelsea. What started as weekend sessions in a small room near Elm Park Gardens has grown into a dedicated teaching space where students of all ages discover the precision and patience required for this Japanese craft.
The founders had each spent years practicing independently before deciding to establish a structured learning environment. They noticed that while origami books and online videos existed, many people struggled without hands-on guidance. This observation led to the creation of courses that focus on proper technique, understanding crease patterns, and building skills progressively from basic folds to complex models.
What We Do
Our courses cover traditional models such as cranes, frogs, and boxes, alongside contemporary designs that challenge spatial reasoning. Classes accommodate beginners who have never folded paper before, as well as intermediate students looking to refine their technique or learn specific styles like modular construction or wet-folding methods.
Each session provides quality paper in various weights and textures suitable for different projects. Instructors demonstrate each fold step-by-step, moving through the room to check individual progress and correct common mistakes before they become habits. This approach helps students develop accuracy and confidence in their folding abilities.
Our Approach to Teaching
We maintain small class sizes of 8-12 participants to ensure everyone receives adequate attention during lessons. Courses run in 6-week blocks, with each 90-minute session building upon previous techniques. Students keep their completed models and receive diagrams for home practice. The curriculum follows established folding sequences used by origami societies, adapted for classroom learning with clear progression markers at each skill level.
Core Principles
Systematic Learning
Each course follows a structured curriculum that introduces folds in logical sequence, ensuring students master fundamentals before attempting complex models.
Practical Skill Development
Focus on developing precise hand movements, understanding paper properties, and reading folding diagrams accurately through repeated practice.
Inclusive Environment
Classes welcome students regardless of age or prior experience, with materials and instruction adapted to different learning speeds and physical abilities.
Cultural Context
While teaching practical skills, instructors share the historical development of origami and its significance in Japanese culture and modern mathematical research.
Since opening, Quwupu has taught over 1,200 students across various skill levels. Our instructors hold certifications from the British Origami Society and continue their own practice, regularly attending workshops and conferences to stay current with new folding techniques and teaching methods. The studio maintains a reference library of 200+ origami books and diagram collections available for student consultation during open practice hours.
Located in South Kensington, the teaching space provides natural lighting essential for seeing crease lines clearly, along with large work tables that accommodate both individual and collaborative projects. Weekend workshops explore specific themes like seasonal decorations, geometric patterns, or animal designs, complementing the regular weekday course schedule.