An introduction to stone carving with Simon Keeley

Carving in stone and wood

Ref: SWE31323

Location: West Dean
£335
Print

Booking closed - see related courses

About this course

Produce a simple stone sculpture by modelling your idea in clay then transferring it to stone. You will learn new techniques and the appropriate use of chisels, as you develop and refine your piece.

Course Description

Learn the basic techniques for carving in stone, as you either complete a finished piece or start one to progress at home, with clear knowledge of how to complete it.

Using prepared sketches and research material, you will model your ideas for carving in clay, which can be, for example, the simplified compact figure. A minimum of one to three hours will be spent on this important part of the course. You will then be shown how to transfer a design from paper or clay.

Demonstrations by the tutor of the tools needed are shown throughout the course and you will receive one-to-one guidance to make sure your understanding of how to use the tools is correct.

Day one:

Complete your clay model. Demonstrations on pitching, punching and claw chisels, marking up the stone block, and flat and small claw chisels. You will start working the main block.

Day two:

Continuing working the main block, the main form and refining the main form and finishing off with demonstrations of flat and small claw chisels, callipers and depth gauges, fishtail chisels and different finishes. The course will end with a group discussion.

At the end of the course, you will have learnt the basic techniques for carving stone.

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

Course Materials

Included

  • A limestone block, wet and dry paper and clay.

What students need to bring

  • You should make at least 3 sketches of what you would like to carve – plan, front and a section view if possible, to fit a stone 7” x 7”.
  • Apron or overalls or old work clothes – it’s a dusty business. Hat, gloves to work in or to handle stone (need to fit). Good shoes or boots (no sandals) – steel toe caps if you have them.
  • Eye protection and facemasks are essential and are provided – please bring if you prefer to.
  • H pencils, sketchbook, tracing paper, wet and dry paper in various grades, plasticine

Available to buy

  • Available from shop:
  • H pencils, sketchbooks, tracing paper, wet and dry paper in various grades, plasticine

Additional information

Please note: your workshop will be in the Sculpture Courtyard, which is a 10-minute walk from the main house through the walled garden or can be accessed by car. The Sculpture Courtyard is open on one side, so be prepared for any type of weather. Morning coffee and afternoon tea will be held in the nearby Carrington Studio. You will return to the main house for lunch. Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no open toes or sandals). Safety boots if possible. Stone carving is a dusty activity. Safety equipment (safety glasses and ear defenders) can be borrowed; masks are provided but you might like to bring fitting gloves to work in. Eye protection and face masks are supplied by the College and are essential. Full health and safety instructions will be given. Stone carving is a physical activity, and it is most effective when standing up but can be achieved sitting down. Stone carving can be physical and keeps you warm, but not all the time. If you have any questions, please contact: [email protected]. The stone carving facility is well equipped with many different types of tools and equipment for student use. Clay is provided – you will need to pay for the amount used.

Tutors

Simon Keeley

Over the last twenty years Simon Keeley MA has been designing and carving stone carvings for important buildings such as Westminster Abbey, Westminster School, and Harley Street in London. In recent years he has won Gold and Silver awards for The Craft and Design Magazine.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

Courses of interest

Interested in a career in woodworking?

Our Foundation Degree specialising in Furniture is designed to give you well-rounded woodworking theory and craft skills to become a self-employed maker or craftsperson, to continue your studies in higher education or to find employment in the creative industry sector. Find out more