Get inspired by trying carving techniques in wood or stone and create your own small carving. Suitable for anyone from beginners to experienced carvers. This course will explore the characteristics...
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Explore the ancient art of wood or stone 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, and 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 an easily modelled material, 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.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/carving-in-wood-or-stone135585Carving in wood or stonehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/a/carving_2048_1.jpg579579GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Ceramics & sculpture/Courses/vm/Courses for Making Your Own Art/Courses/Art & design/Ceramics & sculpture/Carving & modelling2285113214311790198912285113216531431Get inspired by trying carving techniques in wood or stone and create your own small carving. Suitable for anyone from beginners to experienced carvers. This course will explore the characteristics of wood and stone, lead you through the steps of design and carving, encourage you to explore and develop your ideas, and try more experimental techniques. <div data-content-type="html" data-appearance="default" data-element="main">The course aims to develop your understanding of sculpture through the medium of woodcarving. Whatever your previous experience, it will guide you 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 woodcarvers, and produce beautiful carvings to take home with you and inspire your further work.</div>64.9https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/a/carving_2048_1_1.jpghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/a/carving_2048.jpg2540245Carving in wood or stone579579https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/a/carving_2048_1_1_35.jpgInStockEveningThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-04-16T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allApr 2026Art & designVU820579579Carving in wood or stone463376579Belinda Edwardscarving-in-wood-or-stone/vu820-2526Get inspired by trying carving techniques in stone or wood and create your own small carving in wood and stone. Suitable for anyone from beginners to experienced carvers. This course will explore the characteristics of wood and stone, lead you through the steps of design and carving, encourage you to explore and develop your ideas, and try more experimental techniques.0000-Available|2026-04-16 00:00:00Explore 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.Get inspired by trying carving techniques in stone or wood and create your own small carving in wood and stone. Suitable for anyone from beginners to experienced carvers. This course will explore the characteristics of wood and stone, lead you through the steps of design and carving, encourage you to explore and develop your ideas, and try more experimental techniques.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.- Develop ideas for carvings by making maquettes.<br/>- Demonstrate an understanding of basic carving techniques.<br/>- Demonstrate some knowledge of wood and stone sculpture, both historical and contemporary.<br/>- Demonstrate knowledge of how to maintain tools.Suitable for all abilities, from complete beginners to experienced carvers.Through demonstrations, practical activities, group discussions and individual tuition.<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) to achieve finer details. 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 & sculptureCarving & modellingvirtual2586529Carving in wood or stone579579https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/a/carving_2048_1_1_36.jpgInStockEveningThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-01-08T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJan 2026Art & designVU819579579Carving in wood or stone463376579Belinda Edwardscarving-in-wood-or-stone/vu819-2526Get inspired by trying carving techniques in wood or stone and create your own small carving. Suitable for anyone from beginners to experienced carvers. This course will explore the characteristics of wood and stone, lead you through the steps of design and carving, encourage you to explore and develop your ideas, and try more experimental techniques.0000-Available|2026-01-08 00:00:00Explore the ancient art of wood or stone 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.Get inspired by trying carving techniques in wood or stone and create your own small carving. Suitable for anyone from beginners to experienced carvers. This course will explore the characteristics of wood and stone, lead you through the steps of design and carving, encourage you to explore and develop your ideas, and try more experimental techniques.The initial parts of the course will focus on understanding the characteristics of wood and stone as materials, and 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 an easily modelled material, 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.- Develop ideas for carvings by making maquettes.<br/>- Demonstrate an understanding of basic carving techniques.<br/>- Demonstrate some knowledge of wood and stone sculpture, both historical and contemporary.<br/>- Demonstrate knowledge of how to maintain tools.Suitable for all abilities, from complete beginners to experienced carvers.Through demonstrations, practical activities, group discussions and individual tuition.<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 & sculptureCarving & modellingvirtual463579376VU820,VU819NONEThu08/01/26 - 02/04/2618:00 - 21:0018:0021:0012 sessions (over 13 weeks)1211 weeks or longerEveningWeekdayKSKeeley StreetBelinda EdwardsBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-04-16T00:00:00+00:00,2026-01-08T00:00:00+00:00Apr 2026,Jan 2026Art & design579579Carving in wood or stonecarving-in-wood-or-stone/vu820-2526,carving-in-wood-or-stone/vu819-2526Get inspired by trying carving techniques in stone or wood and create your own small carving in wood and stone. Suitable for anyone from beginners to experienced carvers. This course will explore the characteristics of wood and stone, lead you through the steps of design and carving, encourage you to explore and develop your ideas, and try more experimental techniques.,Get inspired by trying carving techniques in wood or stone and create your own small carving. Suitable for anyone from beginners to experienced carvers. This course will explore the characteristics of wood and stone, lead you through the steps of design and carving, encourage you to explore and develop your ideas, and try more experimental techniques.0000-Available|2026-01-08 00:00:00Explore 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.,Explore the ancient art of wood or stone 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.Get inspired by trying carving techniques in stone or wood and create your own small carving in wood and stone. Suitable for anyone from beginners to experienced carvers. This course will explore the characteristics of wood and stone, lead you through the steps of design and carving, encourage you to explore and develop your ideas, and try more experimental techniques.,Get inspired by trying carving techniques in wood or stone and create your own small carving. Suitable for anyone from beginners to experienced carvers. This course will explore the characteristics of wood and stone, lead you through the steps of design and carving, encourage you to explore and develop your ideas, and try more experimental techniques.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.,The initial parts of the course will focus on understanding the characteristics of wood and stone as materials, and 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 an easily modelled material, 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.- Develop ideas for carvings by making maquettes.<br/>- Demonstrate an understanding of basic carving techniques.<br/>- Demonstrate some knowledge of wood and stone sculpture, both historical and contemporary.<br/>- Demonstrate knowledge of how to maintain tools.Suitable for all abilities, from complete beginners to experienced carvers.Through demonstrations, practical activities, group discussions and individual tuition.<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) to achieve finer details. 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><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 &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 & modellingconfigurable
