We are running our popular freeform carving with Jonathan Sells this weekend. You can join us for 1/2 day, one day or 2 days to experience this traditional craft, whilst enjoying the amazing views from the Centre.

This is suitable for any level of carver - from total beginners to the more advanced. Jonathan will teach you the basics of carving in local stone and you can then work on your own creation, whether you are with us for just a few hours or the entire weekend.

1/2 day is £30 pp, 1 day is £50 pp or 2 days is £100 pp. The price includes stone, tools and refreshments (tea/coffee/biscuits). Book for 2 days and get your own 'Burngate mug'.

Booking is essential and if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at the Centre on 01929 439405.

Purbeck Art Weeks Festival starts on Saturday 25th May until June 9th. We have new stone carvings and sculpture in our gallery, local art on display and daily demonstrations - stone carving, spinning, 3D wire & Sculpture and even a working blacksmiths forge (some demonstrations will be subject to the weather).

We will also be running plenty of courses over the festival and this week will have the following on offer -

Family have-a-go carving- Monday 27th, 2-4pm
Children's have-a-go carving - Tuesday 28th, 10-12pm or 2-4pm (6yrs onwards)
Adult have-a-go carving - Wednesday 29th, 10-12pm (14years +)
Introduction to stone carving - Wednesday 29th, 10-4pm
Family have-a-go carving - Thursday 30th, 10-12pm or 2-4pm
Freeform carving - Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd June

Booking is essential on all our courses - please phone 01929 439405 to book your place or find out more information.

As part of the Purbeck Arts Week Festival (PAWS) the Centre will be open daily from 10am – 4pm from May 25 to June 9.

We will be exhibiting a wide variety of work from local and visiting stone carvers – Alan Davis, Val Quinn, Jonathan Sells, Anna Bowen, Mike Bizley, Midge Bullock, Ian Ching, Mark Norman, Do Michell, Roger Mordaunt, Carlotta Barrow and Mick Bebbington.

As well as our exhibition of sculpture we will have a fantastic showcase of art and craft including jewellery, ceramics, woodwork, pottery, textiles, candles, embroidery, paintings and much more, all by local Purbeck artists and available to purchase.

We will also have demonstrations running over the festival period and plenty of stone carving courses for all the family to experience this traditional skill, which is so much a part of the local Purbeck stone heritage.

The Centre will also be offering light refreshments, cream teas and homemade cake throughout the festival – so pop in and visit us, even if it’s just for a cup of tea and local Dorset apple cake!

Mike Bizley will be running a 5 day intensive stone carving course at Burngate from 13th - 17th May. Mike will teach you the basic techniques of traditional stone carving and guide and support you through the whole creative process of carving something unique in stone - whether you want to create a sculpture or a beautiful relief, this in depth opportunity to work with an experineced local stone carver is not one to miss this May.

Join us in the heart of Britains's premier stone area and carve whilst absorbing the stunning views of the Jurassic coast - whatever ability you will be inspired to create your own masterpiece at Burngate.

Price: £250 per person - inclusive of stone, tools and refreshements

Join artist Di Quinn for a new weekly course at Burngate this year.

Multi media mark making (drawing) with locally found, organic materials.
Basic drawing kit supplied (i.e paper, wax crayons, charcoal) and drawing boards/easels provided. You are welcome to bring your own art supplies.

Refreshments are included - tea/coffee and biscuits

Friday, 10am to 1pm. £21 per session (5% discount if you book 4 sessions or more)

Do you fancy learning how to sew and using a sewing machine - learn how to make things for yourself, the home, as gifts or just for fun.

Ros Sunley runs weekly sewing workshops at the Centre for beginners on Wednesdays between 7pm & 9pm. £50 per person for 5 sessions.

New for 2013 are afternoon sessions on a Wednesday, 1pm - 3pm. £50 per person for 5 sessions.

Please contact the Centre on 01929 439405 or Ros on 07939 953207 to find out more about the course and to book a place.

Our new course programme for 2013 is now available online or in print. Please contact us if you would like to be sent a copy of the course programme.

The Centre offers a wide range of stone carving courses for all the family and all levels of experience. You don't have to be artist to try your hand at the traditional craft and will be amazed at what you can achieve in just a few hours.

We continue to expand the wide range of art and craft courses at the Centre - Printmaking, 3d Wire & Sculpture, Skills of the sculptor, Rag-rug cushion, Sewing and needlecraft, Basic drawing skills and Painting. If you would like to find out more or even teach your own course at the Centre, please contact us.

We look forward to welcoming you to Burngate in 2013.

Burngate Stone Carving Centre needs friends and lots of 'likes' on our new facebook page. Copy this link or just search for us on facebook: www.facebook.com/burngatestonecentre

We will post weekly updates, pictures, events and special facebook offers for our stone carving courses on our facebook page.

If you can't find a course date or time to suit you or your family this Summer holiday, contact us to arrange your own course that fits in with your holiday plans (or even the weather!).

We can arrange 2 hour, 3 hour or full day carving sessions for you, your family or group, subject to tutor availablity. Please give us a call to discuss options and pricing.

Do something different this Summer and try your hand at traditional stone carving in the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset.

Burngate Stone Carving Centre in the Isle of Purbeck is open all year and it's unique workshop space is ideal for exhibitions, gallery space and meetings. The main workshop has a woodburner and kitchen facilities are on site and available to use for any event.

The space can be hired all year - special rates for art and craft exhibitions.

Special offer for PAWS members (Purbeck Artists). Find out how you can have your exhibition here at the Centre for free in 2011 and 2012. Call Kelly Fenech to find out more on 01929 439405.

Burngate has a new tearoom for this year and offers traditional Dorset Apple Cake, cream teas (subject to availability), hot and cold drinks and a wide range of snacks.

Come and visit us at the Centre and enjoy a cream tea whilst taking in the outstanding views of the Jurassic coast.

The tearoom is open daily between 10am and 2pm during the week (sometimes a little later if the weather is nice!) and 10am - 4pm at the weekends.

The Centre also has a range of local, homemade chutneys and marmalades on offer. Or you can browse our exhibition of sculpture and other local art and craft - including art, ceramics, wool and textiles.

If you are making a special visit, please phone to ensure that we will be open on 01929 439405.