With expert advice, this full weekend course will guide you through the various processes of letter cutting in stone, starting with drawing letters and setting out.

There will be talks within the course to understand a little more about the traditions of the craft, and the opportunity to create your own small plaque. Participants are asked to come prepared with a word they would like to cut as part of their individual project.

This course is suitable for anyone with an interest in letter cutting, either as an introduction to the craft or those wishing to extend their skills and understanding further.

Your tutor is Tom Ball, an award-winning master carver working in wood and stone from his workshop at the Heritage and Rural Skills Centre. Since 2008, Tom has been working freelance in restoration, and in 2020 Tom returned to City and Guilds of London Arts School to work as a tutor for the carving department. Tom’s carving and conservation work can be found in renowned locations around the country including many of Oxfords and London’s most celebrated colleges, chapels and churches.

Our class sizes are small, so you’ll have a chance to engage with the tutor while you work.

All materials and tools required for the course will be provided. This course takes place over two days, on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 June, 9am-5pm daily. There will be a short break for lunch each day and tea/coffee is provided.