Matt Loughlin
Matt Loughlin is a traditionally trained letter-cutter and stone carver based in Somerset, England.
Stone Letter Cutting: Design and Carving in Limestone with Matt Loughlin
Ref: SLW42363
About this course
You will learn to draw and carve lettering in stone using traditional tools and techniques. Beginners will be focused on the basics of the craft, while more experienced students will have the opportunity to refine and advance their skills.
Course Description
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.
Course Materials
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
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.
From your 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).
Timetable
Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-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 (lunch included)
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 - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)
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.
General Information
Tutors
Accommodation
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Further study options
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.
Interested in a career in woodworking?
Our Foundation Degree specialising in Furniture is designed to give you well-rounded woodworking theory and craft skills to become a self-employed maker or craftsperson, to continue your studies in higher education or to find employment in the creative industry sector. Find out more