Carving in wood or stone
Choose a starting date
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 18 Sep 2025End Date: 11 Dec 2025Thu (Evening): 18:00 - 21:00In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 12 sessions (over 13 weeks)Course Code: VU805Tutors: Belinda EdwardsFull fee £579.00 Senior fee £463.00 Concession £376.00
- Start Date: 08 Jan 2026End Date: 02 Apr 2026Thu (Evening): 18:00 - 21:00In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 12 sessions (over 13 weeks)Course Code: VU819Tutors: Belinda EdwardsFull fee £579.00 Senior fee £463.00 Concession £376.00
- Start Date: 16 Apr 2026End Date: 09 Jul 2026Thu (Evening): 18:00 - 21:00In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 12 sessions (over 13 weeks)Course Code: VU820Tutors: Belinda EdwardsFull fee £579.00 Senior fee £463.00 Concession £376.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
Explore the ancient art of carving, from the initial conception of ideas and developing a design, through to carving techniques and creating a full sculpture. Those with no sculptural experience will be led through the process stage by stage. Those with more experience will be encouraged to stretch their ideas, reflect on how to improve their designs and given the opportunity to try more experimental techniques.
What will we cover?
The initial parts of the course will focus on understanding the characteristics of wood and stone as materials. You will be introduced to the work of many sculptors, both contemporary and historical. Time will then be spent making several maquettes (small models) in clay, before embarking on a piece in wood or stone. Carving techniques will be taught and explored as your carving progresses. We will also cover safe working practice and tool maintenance.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Develop ideas for carvings by making maquettes.
- Demonstrate an understanding of basic carving techniques.
- Demonstrate some knowledge of wood and stone sculpture, both historical and contemporary.
- Demonstrate knowledge of how to maintain tools.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Suitable for all abilities, from complete beginners to experienced carvers.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Through demonstrations, practical activities, group discussions and individual tuition.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Materials and Equipment
With advice from the tutor, you may choose a piece of wood from our stock, the cost of which is included in the course fee.
Tools are provided by City Lit, although you may wish to buy rifflers (very small files) for reaching detail. If you wish to buy a set of woodcarving tools for yourself, you will be advised of suppliers during the course.
Please bring a sketchbook, pencils and a pen to sketch and make notes. A camera is also useful to photograph your work.
What to Wear
Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes—no sandals or open-toed footwear. Old work clothes or overalls are also advised.
Health and Safety
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as facemasks for use when working with materials that may release airborne particles, will be provided and must be worn as required.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
The City Lit sculpture department offers a wide range of exciting courses that will allow you to progress from beginner to advanced and learn a range of techniques. After this course, you may wish to join a similar course to develop your skills further or try something completely different. We offer courses in prop making, metal, clay, carving in stone and wood, mould making and casting, and much more! Alternatively, you may wish to progress onto the year-long City Lit Sculpture course VU841, which helps you build your individual sculpture practice.
Please ask your tutor for advice, browse the City Lit website for inspiration, or contact our visual arts team by emailing visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or calling 0203 880 2415 Monday - Friday, 11 am - 4 pm.
The in-person information desk (at our Keeley Street campus) is open Monday - Friday from 12 pm - 1:55 pm & 3 pm - 5 pm. In-person enrolment is supported Monday - Friday from 10:30 am -12 pm & 3 pm -5 pm. General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday between 12:00 - 13:55 & 15:00 - 17:00. In-person enrolment is supported Monday - Friday between 10:30 - 12:00 & 15:00 - 17:00
Belinda Edwards holds a degree and diploma from Central School of Art and Design, and a teaching certificate from Roehampton Institute. She has been an artist in residence and lecturer with various schools, community groups and colleges in London and has been teaching sculpture at City Lit and elsewhere since 1987. Belinda’s work has been exhibited at many galleries including The Royal Academy. This gives her a deep understanding of the importance of correct technique for accurate and effective carving, whatever the material. As part of developing her understanding of materials even further she worked for a while as a casting technician for a gallery specialising in fine art antiques casting and conserving. These skills, combined with her Fine Arts background enables her to help students to develop their own interests and projects, from first idea through sketches, maquettes, choice of material and tools, to finished sculpture. Belinda’s outstanding qualities as a tutor, are her practical understanding of the challenges faced by individual students, and her skill at enabling them both to formulate ideas and then achieve their goals.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.