Ref: SLW37939
Beginners will practise carving letter strokes and letters in stone or slate, and can either continue learning to draw and carve more letters or aim towards carving a word or two. It is recommended that beginners start with Classical Roman capitals, but other letterforms will be available for all levels as required. Those with more experience can focus on refining their carving technique with letterforms of their choice, designing and carving a brief text if required. Letter design and drawing tuition will also be available . The tutor will give group demonstrations and individual tuition throughout the course, and a slide talk on contemporary letter carving on the first evening.
You will leave the course with confidence about letter carving technique and how to approach designing and carving letters and short texts, and an understanding of what makes good letterforms and basic text layout.
The course fee includes one piece of either Portland stone or black slate for your project, provided by the college (approximate dimensions: 350mm x 350mm x 50mm)
Stout fully covered footwear - essential in the workshop (no sandals)
You may bring a choice of letters to carve; these may range from a couple of words to a house name, or perhaps a logo or initials, depending on your experience
You may also bring your own stone (but not granite) or slate if you wish, although it is not necessary. Portland or York stone, or Welsh slate are suitable.
Mallets and chisels are provided for students to use in the workshop, but 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.
Available from shop: A3 layout pad HB, 3H pencils, pencil sharpener, eraser A ruler, set square, compasses White water-soluble crayon
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals.
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
A letter carver/lettering designer for almost 40 years, Tom Perkins trained in calligraphy at Reigate School of Art and Design, then a year as letter carving assistant to Richard Kindersley. He has taught at The Roehampton Institute and on short courses in the UK, USA and Japan. His work is in a number of private collections and at the Crafts Study Centre, Farnham. His book The Art of Letter carving in Stone was published by the Crowood Press.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.
