Learn the basic techniques for carving in stone, as you either complete a finished piece or start one to progress at home, with clear knowledge of how to complete it.

Using prepared sketches and research material, you will model your ideas for carving in clay, which can be, for example, the simplified compact figure. A minimum of one to three hours will be spent on this important part of the course. You will then be shown how to transfer a design from paper or clay.

Demonstrations by the tutor of the tools needed are shown throughout the course and you will receive one-to-one guidance to make sure your understanding of how to use the tools is correct.

Day one: Complete your clay model. Demonstrations on pitching, punching and claw chisels, marking up the stone block, and flat and small claw chisels. You will start working the main block.

Day two: Continue working the main block, the main form and refining the main form and finishing off with demonstrations of flat and small claw chisels, callipers and depth gauges, fishtail chisels and different finishes. The course will end with a group discussion.

At the end of the course, you will have learnt the basic techniques for carving stone.

The tutor recommends that his one-day stonecarving taster day leads well into this weekend course.

Included

A limestone block, wet and dry paper and clay

What students need to bring

• You should make at least 3 sketches of what you would like to carve – plan, front and a section view if possible, to fit a stone 7” x 7”
• Apron or overalls or old work clothes – it’s a dusty business. Hat, gloves to work in or to handle stone (need to fit). Good shoes or boots (no sandals) – steel toe caps if you have them
• Eye protection and facemasks are essential and are provided – please bring if you prefer to
• H pencils, sketchbook, tracing paper, wet and dry paper in various grades, plasticine

Available to buy

Gardens Gatehouse Craft Shop: H pencils, sketchbooks, tracing paper

Additional information

Please note: your workshop will be in the Sculpture Courtyard, which is a 10-minute walk from the main house through the walled garden or can be accessed by car. The Sculpture Courtyard is open on one side, so be prepared for any type of weather. Morning coffee and afternoon tea will be held in the nearby Carrington Studio.

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no open toes or sandals). Safety boots if possible. Stone carving is a dusty activity. Safety equipment (safety glasses and ear defenders) can be borrowed; masks are provided but you might like to bring fitting gloves to work in. Eye protection and face masks are supplied by the College and are essential. Full health and safety instructions will be given. Stone carving is a physical activity, and it is most effective when standing up but can be achieved sitting down.

Stone carving can be physical and keeps you warm, but not all the time. If you have any questions, please contact: [email protected] The stone carving facility is well equipped with many different types of tools and equipment for student use.

Clay is provided – you will need to pay for the amount used.

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.

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