This three-day course offers an introduction to letter carving in stone and a practice opportunity on slate, and is suitable for both beginners and those with some experience.

We will explore a range of lettering styles, and you will have the opportunity to hand-draw your own design, learning what works best for different purposes and how to transfer your design onto your chosen material.

You will then be taught the traditional technique of hand-carving letters using a chisel and mallet, resulting in letterforms that are crisp, sharp and built to last for centuries.

Whether you would like to work towards a small, finished piece or focus on practising your carving skills, the choice is yours. Your tutor will provide group demonstrations, but much of the learning will take place through individual tuition, tailored to your needs.

A slide talk will offer insight into both ancient and contemporary letterforms, encouraging discussion and a deeper understanding of the craft. There will also be a range of books and sources of inspiration available throughout the course.

Included

A piece of 20 cm (8") x 40 cm (16") x 2 cm (1¾") Portland stone. A block of Slate for a studio practice session Mallets and chisels are provided for students to use in the workshop

What students need to bring

If you have your own carving tools and would prefer to bring them, please do so, but make sure that they are clearly marked with your name. If you have some slate that you wish to bring, please bring it along. An apron A3 layout pad HB, 2 or 3H pencils, pencil sharpener, eraser A ruler, set square

Available to buy

Available from shop: The shop is open from 8am-2pm for any items listed in ‘What students need to bring’.

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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