Course Description

This course aims to teach the technique of 'V' incising letters in stone and slate with a mallet and a chisel. For beginners, it offers an introduction to the skills, while those with some previous experience of letter carving can refine and improve their letter carving quality and spend time on drawing letters, depending on their interests.

Beginners will practise letter strokes and carve some letters – aiming either towards a short finished piece of work or just letter carving practice – this will depend on your aptitude and experience. Others may work on a project with a brief text set by the tutor, or one of their own guided by the tutor, depending on experience. The tutor will give group demonstrations and individual tuition and a slide talk on contemporary lettercutting on the first evening.

Guidance on drawing letters for carving and the design of inscriptions can also be given.

You will leave the course with confidence on how to approach carving short texts or letters from scratch, and an understanding on what makes good letter carving and layout, and carving techniques for achieving this.

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, 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

What students need to bring

• Stout fully covered footwear - essential in the workshop (no sandals).
• An apron
• You may bring a choice of letters to carve; these may range from a couple of words, to a house-name or perhaps a logo or initials, depending on experience.
• You may also bring your own stone (but not granite) or slate if you wish although it is not necessary. Portland or York stone, or Welsh slate are suitable.
• Mallets and chisels are provided for students to use in the workshop, but if you have your own carving tools and would prefer to bring them, please do so, but make sure that they are clearly marked with your name.

Available to buy

• Available from shop:
• A3 layout pad, HB, 3H pencils, pencil sharpener, eraser, ruler, set square*, compasses*, white water-soluble crayon, tracedown (carbon paper)
• *For those wishing to do drawn lettering
• Slate and stone will be available at the College for you to purchase. Approximate sample costs are as follows:
• Slate 35cm (14") x 20cm (8") x 2cm (1¾"), £32
• Portland stone 20cm (14") x 40 cm (16") x 2cm (1¾"), £33
• Portland stone 35cm (14") x 35cm (14") x 2cm (1¾"), £38