Have you ever fancied trying your hand at sculpting in wood? Or perhaps you already have experience but want expert guidance to develop your ideas further? This comprehensive course welcomes...
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 deepen your understanding of sculpture through the medium of wood carving. Regardless of your prior experience, you will be guided in making maquettes (models) of your designs, transferring these onto wood, and mastering the skills of carving. You will develop a strong sense of form and mass, explore the work of other woodcarvers, and complete beautiful carvings to take home and inspire your future work.
What will we cover?
Through illustrated discussions, we will explore various aspects of carved sculpture to focus the term’s work. You will be encouraged to create clay or plasticine maquettes before beginning your carving. Your tutor will guide you on scaling up your design onto wood and provide ongoing advice on the use and care of carving tools. Additionally, you will receive guidance on displaying your completed sculptures, including recommendations for appropriate oils and varnishes.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Produce a suitable design model in clay
Handle carving tools competently and safely
Carve wood based on 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 talks on issues concerning the whole class; 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 sketchbooks 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 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
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.jpg579579GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Top rated courses/Courses/Art & design/Ceramics & sculpture/Courses/Art & design/Ceramics & sculpture/Ceramics & pottery228511321662143111431228511321431<p>Have you ever fancied trying your hand at sculpting in wood? Or perhaps you already have experience but want expert guidance to develop your ideas further? This comprehensive course welcomes woodcarvers of all levels to bring their ideas and see how they can be developed. You will learn how to create models of your designs, upscale and transfer them to wood, and use professional carving tools to produce beautiful wood sculptures.</p>1452540239Carving in wood579579https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/a/carving-wood-vu787-1024_38.jpgInStockEveningTueKeeley StreetNo longer available11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-01-06T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJan 2026Art & designVU788579579Carving in wood463376579Alexandra Harleycarving-in-wood/vu788-2526<p>Have you ever fancied trying your hand at sculpting in wood? Or perhaps you already have experience but want expert guidance to develop your ideas further? This comprehensive course welcomes woodcarvers of all levels to bring their ideas and see how they can be developed. You will learn how to create models of your designs, upscale and transfer them to wood, and use professional carving tools to produce beautiful wood sculptures.</p>0015-FullStillOpen|2026-01-06 00:00:00<p>This course aims to deepen your understanding of sculpture through the medium of wood carving. Regardless of your prior experience, you will be guided in making maquettes (models) of your designs, transferring these onto wood, and mastering the skills of carving. You will develop a strong sense of form and mass, explore the work of other woodcarvers, and complete beautiful carvings to take home and inspire your future work.</p><p>Have you ever fancied trying your hand at sculpting in wood? Or perhaps you already have experience but want expert guidance to develop your ideas further? This comprehensive course welcomes woodcarvers of all levels to bring their ideas and see how they can be developed. You will learn how to create models of your designs, upscale and transfer them to wood, and use professional carving tools to produce beautiful wood sculptures.</p><p>Through illustrated discussions, we will explore various aspects of carved sculpture to focus the term’s work. You will be encouraged to create clay or plasticine maquettes before beginning your carving. Your tutor will guide you on scaling up your design onto wood and provide ongoing advice on the use and care of carving tools. Additionally, you will receive guidance on displaying your completed sculptures, including recommendations for appropriate oils and varnishes.</p><ul><li><p>Produce a suitable design model in clay</p></li><li><p>Handle carving tools competently and safely</p></li><li><p>Carve wood based on your own ideas</p></li><li><p>Demonstrate an understanding of form and mass</p></li><li><p>Appreciate the work of other woodcarvers</p></li></ul><p>This course is open to all levels—from complete beginners with no previous experience to those who have carved in wood or stone before.</p><p>Teaching includes group talks on topics relevant to the whole class and individual instruction tailored to your progress. You will undertake set design projects, such as sculpting a head, a naturalistic subject, or exploring abstract themes. You are also encouraged to bring your own ideas and sketchbooks for discussion with your 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.</p><p><strong>What to Wear</strong><br/>Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes—no sandals or open-toed footwear. Old clothes or overalls are strongly recommended.</p><p><strong>Health and Safety</strong><br/>Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as facemasks for working with materials that may release airborne particles, will be provided and must be worn when required.</p><p>The City Lit Sculpture Department offers a wide range of courses to support your progression from beginner to advanced levels across various techniques. After this course, you may choose to continue developing your woodcarving skills or explore new areas such as prop making, metalwork, clay, stone carving, mould making, and casting. Alternatively, consider the year-long City Lit Sculpture course (VU841), designed to help you build an individual sculpture practice.</p><p>For advice, please ask your tutor, browse the City Lit website, or contact the Visual Arts team at <strong><a>visualarts@citylit.ac.uk</a></strong> or call <strong>0203 880 2415</strong> (Monday to Friday, 11 am – 4 pm).</p><p><strong>Additional Information:</strong><br/>The in-person information desk at our Keeley Street campus is open Monday to Friday, 12 pm – 1:55 pm & 3 pm – 5 pm. Enrolment support is available Monday to Friday, 10:30 am – 12 pm & 3 pm – 5 pm. For general course information and advice, visit the Student Centre and Library Monday to Friday between 12 pm – 1:55 pm & 3 pm – 5 pm. In-person enrolment assistance is also available Monday to Friday, 10:30 am – 12 pm & 3 pm – 5 pm.</p>Ceramics & sculptureCarving & modellingvirtual2586535Carving in wood579579https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/a/carving-wood-vu787-1024_40.jpgInStockEveningTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-04-14T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allApr 2026Art & designVU789579579Carving in wood463376579Alexandra Harleycarving-in-wood/vu789-2526<p>Have you ever fancied trying your hand at sculpting in wood? Or perhaps you already have experience but want expert guidance to develop your ideas further? This comprehensive course welcomes woodcarvers of all levels to bring their ideas and see how they can be developed. You will learn how to create models of your designs, upscale and transfer them to wood, and use professional carving tools to produce beautiful wood sculptures.</p>0000-Available|2026-04-14 00:00:00<p>This course aims to deepen your understanding of sculpture through the medium of wood carving. Regardless of your prior experience, you will be guided in making maquettes (models) of your designs, transferring these onto wood, and mastering the skills of carving. You will develop a strong sense of form and mass, explore the work of other woodcarvers, and complete beautiful carvings to take home and inspire your future work.</p><p>Have you ever fancied trying your hand at sculpting in wood? Or perhaps you already have experience but want expert guidance to develop your ideas further? This comprehensive course welcomes woodcarvers of all levels to bring their ideas and see how they can be developed. You will learn how to create models of your designs, upscale and transfer them to wood, and use professional carving tools to produce beautiful wood sculptures.</p><p>Through illustrated discussions, we will explore various aspects of carved sculpture to focus the term’s work. You will be encouraged to create clay or plasticine maquettes before beginning your carving. Your tutor will guide you on scaling up your design onto wood and provide ongoing advice on the use and care of carving tools. Additionally, you will receive guidance on displaying your completed sculptures, including recommendations for appropriate oils and varnishes.</p><ul><li><p>Produce a suitable design model in clay</p></li><li><p>Handle carving tools competently and safely</p></li><li><p>Carve wood based on your own ideas</p></li><li><p>Demonstrate an understanding of form and mass</p></li><li><p>Appreciate the work of other woodcarvers</p></li></ul>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.There will be group talks on issues concerning the whole class; 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 sketchbooks with your own ideas for discussion with the tutor.<p><strong>Materials and Equipment</strong><br/>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. </p><p>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.</p><p>Please bring a sketchbook, pencils and a pen to sketch and make notes. A camera is also useful to photograph your work.</p><p><strong>What to Wear</strong><br/>Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes—no sandals or open-toed footwear. Old work clothes or overalls are also advised.</p><p><strong>Health and Safety</strong><br/>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.</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> </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><p><br/>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</p>Ceramics & sculptureCeramics & potteryvirtual463579376VU788,VU789NONETue14/04/26 - 07/07/2618:00 - 21:0018:0021:0012 sessions (over 13 weeks)1211 weeks or longerWeekdayKSKeeley StreetAlexandra HarleyBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allNo longer available,Available courses2026-01-06T00:00:00+00:00,2026-04-14T00:00:00+00:00EveningJan 2026,Apr 2026Art & design579579Carving in woodcarving-in-wood/vu788-2526,carving-in-wood/vu789-2526<p>Have you ever fancied trying your hand at sculpting in wood? Or perhaps you already have experience but want expert guidance to develop your ideas further? This comprehensive course welcomes woodcarvers of all levels to bring their ideas and see how they can be developed. You will learn how to create models of your designs, upscale and transfer them to wood, and use professional carving tools to produce beautiful wood sculptures.</p>0000-Available|2026-04-14 00:00:00<p>This course aims to deepen your understanding of sculpture through the medium of wood carving. Regardless of your prior experience, you will be guided in making maquettes (models) of your designs, transferring these onto wood, and mastering the skills of carving. You will develop a strong sense of form and mass, explore the work of other woodcarvers, and complete beautiful carvings to take home and inspire your future work.</p><p>Have you ever fancied trying your hand at sculpting in wood? Or perhaps you already have experience but want expert guidance to develop your ideas further? This comprehensive course welcomes woodcarvers of all levels to bring their ideas and see how they can be developed. You will learn how to create models of your designs, upscale and transfer them to wood, and use professional carving tools to produce beautiful wood sculptures.</p><p>Through illustrated discussions, we will explore various aspects of carved sculpture to focus the term’s work. You will be encouraged to create clay or plasticine maquettes before beginning your carving. Your tutor will guide you on scaling up your design onto wood and provide ongoing advice on the use and care of carving tools. Additionally, you will receive guidance on displaying your completed sculptures, including recommendations for appropriate oils and varnishes.</p><ul><li><p>Produce a suitable design model in clay</p></li><li><p>Handle carving tools competently and safely</p></li><li><p>Carve wood based on your own ideas</p></li><li><p>Demonstrate an understanding of form and mass</p></li><li><p>Appreciate the work of other woodcarvers</p></li></ul><p>This course is open to all levels—from complete beginners with no previous experience to those who have carved in wood or stone before.</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>Teaching includes group talks on topics relevant to the whole class and individual instruction tailored to your progress. You will undertake set design projects, such as sculpting a head, a naturalistic subject, or exploring abstract themes. You are also encouraged to bring your own ideas and sketchbooks for discussion with your tutor.</p>,There will be group talks on issues concerning the whole class; 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 sketchbooks with your own ideas for discussion with the tutor.<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.</p><p><strong>What to Wear</strong><br/>Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes—no sandals or open-toed footwear. Old clothes or overalls are strongly recommended.</p><p><strong>Health and Safety</strong><br/>Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as facemasks for working with materials that may release airborne particles, will be provided and must be worn when required.</p>,<p><strong>Materials and Equipment</strong><br/>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. </p><p>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.</p><p>Please bring a sketchbook, pencils and a pen to sketch and make notes. A camera is also useful to photograph your work.</p><p><strong>What to Wear</strong><br/>Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes—no sandals or open-toed footwear. Old work clothes or overalls are also advised.</p><p><strong>Health and Safety</strong><br/>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.</p><p>The City Lit Sculpture Department offers a wide range of courses to support your progression from beginner to advanced levels across various techniques. After this course, you may choose to continue developing your woodcarving skills or explore new areas such as prop making, metalwork, clay, stone carving, mould making, and casting. Alternatively, consider the year-long City Lit Sculpture course (VU841), designed to help you build an individual sculpture practice.</p><p>For advice, please ask your tutor, browse the City Lit website, or contact the Visual Arts team at <strong><a>visualarts@citylit.ac.uk</a></strong> or call <strong>0203 880 2415</strong> (Monday to Friday, 11 am – 4 pm).</p><p><strong>Additional Information:</strong><br/>The in-person information desk at our Keeley Street campus is open Monday to Friday, 12 pm – 1:55 pm &amp; 3 pm – 5 pm. Enrolment support is available Monday to Friday, 10:30 am – 12 pm &amp; 3 pm – 5 pm. For general course information and advice, visit the Student Centre and Library Monday to Friday between 12 pm – 1:55 pm &amp; 3 pm – 5 pm. In-person enrolment assistance is also available Monday to Friday, 10:30 am – 12 pm &amp; 3 pm – 5 pm.</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> </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><p><br/>The in-person information desk (at our Keeley Street campus) is open Monday - Friday from 12 pm - 1:55 pm &amp; 3 pm - 5 pm. In-person enrolment is supported Monday - Friday from 10:30 am -12 pm &amp; 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 &amp; 15:00 - 17:00. In-person enrolment is supported Monday - Friday between 10:30 - 12:00 &amp; 15:00 - 17:00</p>Ceramics & sculptureCarving & modelling,Ceramics & potteryconfigurable
Ceramics: throwing and assemblageFull fee £549.00 Senior fee £439.00 Concession £357.00
