Introduction to carving
Join this hands-on course for complete beginners and learn the fundamental techniques, tools, and materials involved in carving wood. Guided by an expert tutor, you’ll carve a small sculpture using traditional hand tools—no previous experience needed.
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: 01 Mar 2026End Date: 29 Mar 2026Sun (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 5 sessions (over 5 weeks)Course Code: VU203Tutors: Belinda EdwardsFull fee £409.00 Senior fee £327.00 Concession £266.00
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?
This course is designed to develop your understanding of sculpture through the art of wood carving. You’ll explore a range of techniques, tools, and types of wood, while learning how to develop an idea from a small maquette to a finished piece.
With guidance and support from your tutor, you’ll work at your own pace to create a unique carving to take home—something to be proud of and to inspire your future sculptural work.
What will we cover?
The process of developing a sculptural idea from concept to completion
Techniques for creating and refining maquettes in clay
Methods for transferring designs onto wood blocks
An introduction to wood types and their suitability for carving
Tool selection, handling, and maintenance
Approaches to safe working practices in the studio
Exploration of historical and contemporary sculptors who work with carving techniques
Individual project development with tutor guidance
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Apply your own sculptural ideas in the creation of a small finished wood carving
Confidently translate a three-dimensional design into wood
Demonstrate an improved sense of scale, proportion, and form
Work independently and make informed aesthetic decisions in the development of your piece
Use woodcarving tools safely, competently, and with greater control
Maintain your tools appropriately for continued use
Discuss your work—and that of others—in the context of wider sculptural practice
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is beginners’ level in wood carving.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will learn through a combination of practical demonstrations, one-to-one guidance, group discussions, and individual tutorials.
A range of learning resources and equipment will be available to support your development. To help you make the best possible progress, you’ll receive regular feedback from your tutor in a constructive and supportive environment.
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.