The primary goal for this course is to familiarise you with the basic tools and techniques needed to draw and carve lettering and simple linework in stone; you will also learn how to sharpen and maintain your tools. The tutor will give group demonstrations throughout the course, but there will be a special emphasis on individual tuition.

Beginners can expect to focus on the basic elements of drawing and carving letters, with an aim of completing a few carved letters or words by the end of the course.

Those with some past experience of letter carving will be given the chance to carve a word or short inscription in whatever lettering style you choose. You may bring existing designs to work on, if you prefer, provided they fall within the realm of simple inscriptions or line work, and are not too large in size. Guidance on more advanced topics and techniques will be available.

A slideshow covering historical and contemporary letter cutting will be shown on the first evening. Exercise and resource sheets will also be provided by the tutor to help make the learning process easier and more fun.

Included

On this course, the College will supply a piece of Portland limestone (measuring approximately 35 x 35 x 5 cm), and layout/tracing/carbon paper and pencil for use by the group. Carving equipment can be borrowed during the course, including dummy mallets, tungsten carving chisels, sharpening equipment and protective eyewear.

What students need to bring

• Sturdy, fully-covered shoes (no sandals, etc.)
• An apron or smock (there will be a bit of dust)
• Tools will be provided, but you may bring your own clearly labelled tools.
• Stone will be provided, but you may bring your own (as long as it is not too large and not granite).
• Pencil and drawing pad
• Any lettering, words, or line imagery you are interested in carving

Available to buy

Available from shop: The shop stocks a range of art materials, including layout pads (A3 size), pencils (HB, 3H), pencil sharpeners, erasers, rulers, set squares, compasses, white water-soluble pencils and carbon paper, should you wish to purchase additional supplies.

Available from tutor: A limited number of slate tablets will be available for purchase from the tutor directly at an additional cost, for those with carving experience who would like to carve in slate.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
Teaching finishes: 3pm

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am. Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.

*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options

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