Have you ever wanted to try sculpting in wood? Or perhaps you are experienced at it but would like expert guidance to develop your ideas? This comprehensive course encourages wood carvers of all levels to bring along their ideas and see how they can be developed. You will be taught how to make models of your designs, upscale and transpose these to wood, and use professional carving tools to produce beautiful pieces in wood.
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.
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.
This course aims to develop your understanding of sculpture through the medium of wood carving. Whatever your previous experience, you will be guided in making models of your designs, transposing these to wood, and the skills of carving the wood itself. You will develop a strong understanding of form and mass, learn about the work of other wood carvers, and produce beautiful carvings to take home and inspire your further work.
What will we cover?
There will be discussion with illustrations on various aspects of carved sculpture, to give focus for the term’s work. You will be encouraged to make clay models (maquettes) of your ideas, before embarking on your carving. Your tutor will advise you on how to scale up your design onto the wood, and will give you guidance on the use and care of carving tools throughout the course. Advice will also be offered on displaying completed sculptures, and appropriate oils and varnishes.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Produce a suitable design in clay. - Handle carving tools competently and safely. - Carve in wood from your own ideas. - Demonstrate an understanding of form and mass. - Appreciate the work of other woodcarvers.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is open to all levels; from those who have no previous knowledge or experience of woodcarving to those who have carved in wood (or stone) previously.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
There will be group discussions on issues concerning the whole class; but otherwise, teaching will be on an individual basis. There will be design projects set, for example, to sculpt a head, a naturalistic subject or an abstract theme. But you are also encouraged to bring a sketchbook with your own ideas for discussion with the tutor.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Materials and Equipment With your tutor’s advice, you may select a piece of wood from our stock - the cost of which is included in the course fee. City Lit provides tools, though you may wish to purchase rifflers (small files) for detailed work. If you want to buy your own woodcarving tools, your tutor will recommend trusted suppliers.
Please bring a sketchbook, pencils, and a pen for sketching and note-taking. A camera or smartphone is useful for photographing your work in progress.
What to Wear For your safety, please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes - no sandals or open-toed footwear. Wearing old clothes or overalls is strongly recommended.
Health and Safety Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided and must be worn where required. This includes items such as facemasks when working with materials that may release airborne particles.
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.
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.
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.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/carving-in-wood233763Carving in woodhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/a/carving-wood-vu787-1024.jpg559559GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Top rated courses/Courses/Art & design/Ceramics & sculpture/Courses/Art & design/Ceramics & sculpture/Carving & modelling228511321662143119891228511321431<p>Have you ever wanted to try sculpting in wood? Or perhaps you are experienced at it but would like expert guidance to develop your ideas? This comprehensive course encourages wood carvers of all levels to bring along their ideas and see how they can be developed. You will be taught how to make models of your designs, upscale and transpose these to wood, and use professional carving tools to produce beautiful pieces in wood.</p>1553029932Carving in wood599599https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/a/carving-wood-vu787-1024_41.jpgInStockEveningTueKeeley StreetNo longer available11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-09-15T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allSep 2026Art & designVU787599599Carving in wood479389599Alexandra Harleycarving-in-wood/vu787-2627<p>Have you ever wanted to try sculpting in wood? Or perhaps you are experienced at it but would like expert guidance to develop your ideas? This comprehensive course encourages wood carvers of all levels to bring along their ideas and see how they can be developed. You will be taught how to make models of your designs, upscale and transpose these to wood, and use professional carving tools to produce beautiful pieces in wood.</p>0015-FullStillOpen|2026-09-15 00:00:00<p>This course aims to develop your understanding of sculpture through the medium of wood carving. Whatever your previous experience, you will be guided in making models of your designs, transposing these to wood, and the skills of carving the wood itself. You will develop a strong understanding of form and mass, learn about the work of other wood carvers, and produce beautiful carvings to take home and inspire your further work.</p><p>Have you ever wanted to try sculpting in wood? Or perhaps you are experienced at it but would like expert guidance to develop your ideas? This comprehensive course encourages wood carvers of all levels to bring along their ideas and see how they can be developed. You will be taught how to make models of your designs, upscale and transpose these to wood, and use professional carving tools to produce beautiful pieces in wood.</p><p>There will be discussion with illustrations on various aspects of carved sculpture, to give focus for the term’s work. You will be encouraged to make clay models (maquettes) of your ideas, before embarking on your carving. Your tutor will advise you on how to scale up your design onto the wood, and will give you guidance on the use and care of carving tools throughout the course. Advice will also be offered on displaying completed sculptures, and appropriate oils and varnishes.</p><ul><li>Produce a suitable design in clay.</li><li>Handle carving tools competently and safely.</li><li>Carve in wood from your own ideas.</li><li>Demonstrate an understanding of form and mass.</li><li>Appreciate the work of other woodcarvers.</li></ul><p>The course is open to all levels; from those who have no previous knowledge or experience of woodcarving to those who have carved in wood (or stone) previously.</p><p>There will be group discussions on issues concerning the whole class; but otherwise, teaching will be on an individual basis. There will be design projects set, for example, to sculpt a head, a naturalistic subject or an abstract theme. But you are also encouraged to bring a sketchbook with your own ideas for discussion with the tutor.</p><p><strong>Materials and Equipment</strong><br>With your tutor’s advice, you may select a piece of wood from our stock - the cost of which is included in the course fee. City Lit provides tools, though you may wish to purchase rifflers (small files) for detailed work. If you want to buy your own woodcarving tools, your tutor will recommend trusted suppliers.</p><p>Please bring a sketchbook, pencils, and a pen for sketching and note-taking. A camera or smartphone is useful for photographing your work in progress.</p><p><strong>What to Wear</strong><br>For your safety, please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes - no sandals or open-toed footwear. Wearing old clothes or overalls is strongly recommended.</p><p><strong>Health and Safety</strong><br>Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided and must be worn where required. This includes items such as facemasks when working with materials that may release airborne particles. </p><p>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.</p><p>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. </p>Ceramics & sculptureCarving & modellingvirtual3066964Carving in wood559559https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/a/carving-wood-vu787-1024_43.jpgInStockEveningTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2027-01-05T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJan 2027Art & designVU788559559Carving in wood447363559Alexandra Harleycarving-in-wood/vu788-2627<p>Have you ever wanted to try sculpting in wood? Or perhaps you are experienced at it but would like expert guidance to develop your ideas? This comprehensive course encourages wood carvers of all levels to bring along their ideas and see how they can be developed. You will be taught how to make models of your designs, upscale and transpose these to wood, and use professional carving tools to produce beautiful pieces in wood.</p>0000-Available|2027-01-05 00:00:00<p>This course aims to develop your understanding of sculpture through the medium of wood carving. Whatever your previous experience, you will be guided in making models of your designs, transposing these to wood, and the skills of carving the wood itself. You will develop a strong understanding of form and mass, learn about the work of other wood carvers, and produce beautiful carvings to take home and inspire your further work.</p><p>Have you ever wanted to try sculpting in wood? Or perhaps you are experienced at it but would like expert guidance to develop your ideas? This comprehensive course encourages wood carvers of all levels to bring along their ideas and see how they can be developed. You will be taught how to make models of your designs, upscale and transpose these to wood, and use professional carving tools to produce beautiful pieces in wood.</p><p>There will be discussion with illustrations on various aspects of carved sculpture, to give focus for the term’s work. You will be encouraged to make clay models (maquettes) of your ideas, before embarking on your carving. Your tutor will advise you on how to scale up your design onto the wood, and will give you guidance on the use and care of carving tools throughout the course. Advice will also be offered on displaying completed sculptures, and appropriate oils and varnishes.</p><p>- Produce a suitable design in clay.<br>- Handle carving tools competently and safely.<br>- Carve in wood from your own ideas.<br>- Demonstrate an understanding of form and mass.<br>- Appreciate the work of other woodcarvers.</p><p>The course is open to all levels; from those who have no previous knowledge or experience of woodcarving to those who have carved in wood (or stone) previously.</p><p>There will be group discussions on issues concerning the whole class; but otherwise, teaching will be on an individual basis. There will be design projects set, for example, to sculpt a head, a naturalistic subject or an abstract theme. But you are also encouraged to bring a sketchbook with your own ideas for discussion with the tutor.</p><p><strong>Materials and Equipment</strong><br>With your tutor’s advice, you may select a piece of wood from our stock - the cost of which is included in the course fee. City Lit provides tools, though you may wish to purchase rifflers (small files) for detailed work. If you want to buy your own woodcarving tools, your tutor will recommend trusted suppliers.</p><p>Please bring a sketchbook, pencils, and a pen for sketching and note-taking. A camera or smartphone is useful for photographing your work in progress.</p><p><strong>What to Wear</strong><br>For your safety, please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes - no sandals or open-toed footwear. Wearing old clothes or overalls is strongly recommended.</p><p><strong>Health and Safety</strong><br>Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided and must be worn where required. This includes items such as facemasks when working with materials that may release airborne particles. </p><p>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.</p><p>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. </p>Ceramics & sculptureCarving & modellingvirtual3066979Carving in wood599599https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/a/carving-wood-vu787-1024_42.jpgInStockEveningTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2027-04-20T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allApr 2027Art & designVU789599599Carving in wood479389599Alexandra Harleycarving-in-wood/vu789-2627<p>Have you ever wanted to try sculpting in wood? Or perhaps you are experienced at it but would like expert guidance to develop your ideas? This comprehensive course encourages wood carvers of all levels to bring along their ideas and see how they can be developed. You will be taught how to make models of your designs, upscale and transpose these to wood, and use professional carving tools to produce beautiful pieces in wood.</p>0000-Available|2027-04-20 00:00:00<p>This course aims to develop your understanding of sculpture through the medium of wood carving. Whatever your previous experience, you will be guided in making models of your designs, transposing these to wood, and the skills of carving the wood itself. You will develop a strong understanding of form and mass, learn about the work of other wood carvers, and produce beautiful carvings to take home and inspire your further work.</p><p>Have you ever wanted to try sculpting in wood? Or perhaps you are experienced at it but would like expert guidance to develop your ideas? This comprehensive course encourages wood carvers of all levels to bring along their ideas and see how they can be developed. You will be taught how to make models of your designs, upscale and transpose these to wood, and use professional carving tools to produce beautiful pieces in wood.</p><p>There will be discussion with illustrations on various aspects of carved sculpture, to give focus for the term’s work. You will be encouraged to make clay models (maquettes) of your ideas, before embarking on your carving. Your tutor will advise you on how to scale up your design onto the wood, and will give you guidance on the use and care of carving tools throughout the course. Advice will also be offered on displaying completed sculptures, and appropriate oils and varnishes.</p><p>- Produce a suitable design in clay.<br>- Handle carving tools competently and safely.<br>- Carve in wood from your own ideas.<br>- Demonstrate an understanding of form and mass.<br>- Appreciate the work of other woodcarvers.</p><p>The course is open to all levels; from those who have no previous knowledge or experience of woodcarving to those who have carved in wood (or stone) previously.</p><p>There will be group discussions on issues concerning the whole class; but otherwise, teaching will be on an individual basis. There will be design projects set, for example, to sculpt a head, a naturalistic subject or an abstract theme. But you are also encouraged to bring a sketchbook with your own ideas for discussion with the tutor.</p><p><strong>Materials and Equipment</strong><br>With your tutor’s advice, you may select a piece of wood from our stock - the cost of which is included in the course fee. City Lit provides tools, though you may wish to purchase rifflers (small files) for detailed work. If you want to buy your own woodcarving tools, your tutor will recommend trusted suppliers.</p><p>Please bring a sketchbook, pencils, and a pen for sketching and note-taking. A camera or smartphone is useful for photographing your work in progress.</p><p><strong>What to Wear</strong><br>For your safety, please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes - no sandals or open-toed footwear. Wearing old clothes or overalls is strongly recommended.</p><p><strong>Health and Safety</strong><br>Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided and must be worn where required. This includes items such as facemasks when working with materials that may release airborne particles. </p><p>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.</p><p>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. </p>Ceramics & sculptureCeramics & potteryvirtual479,447599,559389,363VU787,VU788,VU789NONETue05/01/27 - 23/03/2718:00 - 21:0018:0021:0011 sessions (over 12 weeks)1111 weeks or longerWeekdayKSKeeley StreetAlexandra HarleyBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allNo longer available,Available courses2026-09-15T00:00:00+00:00,2027-01-05T00:00:00+00:00,2027-04-20T00:00:00+00:00EveningSep 2026,Jan 2027,Apr 2027Art & design559599,559Carving in woodcarving-in-wood/vu787-2627,carving-in-wood/vu788-2627,carving-in-wood/vu789-2627<p>Have you ever wanted to try sculpting in wood? Or perhaps you are experienced at it but would like expert guidance to develop your ideas? This comprehensive course encourages wood carvers of all levels to bring along their ideas and see how they can be developed. You will be taught how to make models of your designs, upscale and transpose these to wood, and use professional carving tools to produce beautiful pieces in wood.</p>0000-Available|2027-01-05 00:00:00<p>This course aims to develop your understanding of sculpture through the medium of wood carving. Whatever your previous experience, you will be guided in making models of your designs, transposing these to wood, and the skills of carving the wood itself. You will develop a strong understanding of form and mass, learn about the work of other wood carvers, and produce beautiful carvings to take home and inspire your further work.</p><p>Have you ever wanted to try sculpting in wood? Or perhaps you are experienced at it but would like expert guidance to develop your ideas? This comprehensive course encourages wood carvers of all levels to bring along their ideas and see how they can be developed. You will be taught how to make models of your designs, upscale and transpose these to wood, and use professional carving tools to produce beautiful pieces in wood.</p><p>There will be discussion with illustrations on various aspects of carved sculpture, to give focus for the term’s work. You will be encouraged to make clay models (maquettes) of your ideas, before embarking on your carving. Your tutor will advise you on how to scale up your design onto the wood, and will give you guidance on the use and care of carving tools throughout the course. Advice will also be offered on displaying completed sculptures, and appropriate oils and varnishes.</p><ul><li>Produce a suitable design in clay.</li><li>Handle carving tools competently and safely.</li><li>Carve in wood from your own ideas.</li><li>Demonstrate an understanding of form and mass.</li><li>Appreciate the work of other woodcarvers.</li></ul>,<p>- Produce a suitable design in clay.<br>- Handle carving tools competently and safely.<br>- Carve in wood from your own ideas.<br>- Demonstrate an understanding of form and mass.<br>- Appreciate the work of other woodcarvers.</p><p>The course is open to all levels; from those who have no previous knowledge or experience of woodcarving to those who have carved in wood (or stone) previously.</p><p>There will be group discussions on issues concerning the whole class; but otherwise, teaching will be on an individual basis. There will be design projects set, for example, to sculpt a head, a naturalistic subject or an abstract theme. But you are also encouraged to bring a sketchbook with your own ideas for discussion with the tutor.</p><p><strong>Materials and Equipment</strong><br>With your tutor’s advice, you may select a piece of wood from our stock - the cost of which is included in the course fee. City Lit provides tools, though you may wish to purchase rifflers (small files) for detailed work. If you want to buy your own woodcarving tools, your tutor will recommend trusted suppliers.</p><p>Please bring a sketchbook, pencils, and a pen for sketching and note-taking. A camera or smartphone is useful for photographing your work in progress.</p><p><strong>What to Wear</strong><br>For your safety, please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes - no sandals or open-toed footwear. Wearing old clothes or overalls is strongly recommended.</p><p><strong>Health and Safety</strong><br>Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided and must be worn where required. This includes items such as facemasks when working with materials that may release airborne particles.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p>,<p><strong>Materials and Equipment</strong><br>With your tutor’s advice, you may select a piece of wood from our stock - the cost of which is included in the course fee. City Lit provides tools, though you may wish to purchase rifflers (small files) for detailed work. If you want to buy your own woodcarving tools, your tutor will recommend trusted suppliers.</p><p>Please bring a sketchbook, pencils, and a pen for sketching and note-taking. A camera or smartphone is useful for photographing your work in progress.</p><p><strong>What to Wear</strong><br>For your safety, please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes - no sandals or open-toed footwear. Wearing old clothes or overalls is strongly recommended.</p><p><strong>Health and Safety</strong><br>Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided and must be worn where required. This includes items such as facemasks when working with materials that may release airborne particles. </p><p>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.</p><p>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.&nbsp;</p>,<p>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.</p><p>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. </p>Ceramics & sculptureCarving & modelling,Ceramics & potteryconfigurable
