What will I achieve?

• You will make a relief carving in stone, using the landscape as your inspiration.
• You will gain confidence and enhance your stone carving skills using a range of hand tools.
• You’ll create your own stone carving to take home.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Ideally you will have completed one of Burngate’s ‘Have a go’ stone-carving sessions beforehand but the course is also suitable for beginners with an interest in art or who are used to working with their hands.

Learners will need to be comfortable using a light hammer and chisel for longer periods.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

This is a practical, hands-on class with a supportive atmosphere. 

Topics will include designing a relief, using a flat chisel to set out your design, creating the illusion of depth, making textures with a claw chisel and using a riffler to smooth your design and add detail.

Stone-carving is easiest done standing up but a stool can be provided for anyone who would find this tiring.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to prepare in advance or bring?

Stone, tools, and safety equipment will be provided. Please wear old clothes and stout shoes or boots which cover your toes and protect your feet. You don’t have to prepare anything in advance or between sessions, but if you would like to you can prepare a design for a square slab of stone 20 x 30cm.

Please bring a packed lunch with you. The course fee includes complimentary teas, coffees and biscuits.