2 Day beginner stone carving course with Ben Russell
Description
Fun and informative two day stone carving courses set in beautiful west Dorset, aimed at beginners. Small groups to ensure maximum time with the tutor whilst gaining inspiration from the other students. The Dorset Stone Carver is based a stones throw from The Jurassic Coast. Professional stone carver and sculptor, Ben, will help you bring your idea to life. On day one we will cover the tools and techniques with examples of their different uses. We will select our stone blocks and you will be taught how to start to map out your idea and start to rough out your sculpture. We advise you bring a model, sketch, object or photo to use as your inspiration. On day two we will be using the provided carving tools to really start to dive in and create a sculpture in limestone. We will use a soft limestone for this course to ensure even complete beginners make great progress. We will work through the various tools to ensure a well rounded understanding of each chisels purpose and how best to use it. You will be given tips on how to continue working outside of the course should you wish. If you book a course and get to the end feeling you need more time or guidance, we can discuss extra time to suit. Courses take place in a sheltered yard on a farm. There is ample outdoor space and shelter from the rain/sun but please dress appropriately for the season. Courses are led by professional sculptor and stone carver Ben Russell. Ben is a qualified architectural stone carver having trained first at Weymouth College (conservation, geology, carving, letter carving and masonry) and then specialising at The City and Guilds of London Art School (architectural carving, further letter carving, model making and casting). He has worked in the stone carving industry throughout London and as a professional sculptor exhibiting his own work regularly. He will guide you in a calm and methodical manor helping you get the absolute best out of your time.
What's included in the price?
All materials Use of professional tool kit Snacks and refreshments On site parking Further hints and tips Demo of further tools and equipment for those interested
Duration
2 days
Cancellation policy
Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts
Maker
The Dorset Stone Carver runs stone carving and sculpture courses from our studio based in the rolling hills of the Marshwood Vale within the AONB of West Dorset. Local towns Bridport, Lyme Regis and Charmouth are a stones throw away as is the world heritage site of the Jurassic coast with all its fossil hunting delights. Camping and glamping is available within a couple of minutes walk from the studio and there are also plenty of B&Bs, hotels and campsites within the surrounding area. We offer courses for all levels, from complete beginners looking to test the waters or just have some fun through to more experienced stone workers looking to hone their skills and everything in-between. We are also happy to tailor an experience to meet your needs. Visit the course info page or our website to find out what you could learn! Why not visit us to learn a new skill and stay to explore the wonders of the local area! The Dorset Stone Carver was founded by stone carver and sculptor Ben Russell. Having originally trained in Applied Architectural Stonework and Conservation at Weymouth College in Dorset, Ben went on to continue his training undertaking a course specialising in Historic/Architectural Stone Carving at the City and Guilds of London Art School. Over the following years he was lucky enough to work upon buildings, monuments and locations such as Highgate Cemetery, Kew Palace, The Tower of London, The National Portrait Gallery, The Albert Memorial and The Houses of Parliament to name a few. Commissions during this period included a grotesque for St Georges Chapel, Windsor Castle, two large relief carvings for County Hall London and a commemorative plaque for Goodenough College unveiled by The Queen. He received a number of awards whilst training and received a Duke of Gloucester for his carving work within the industry in 2013. Alongside his work in the heritage sector Ben creates sculptures inspired by our grown environment. After gaining recognition for his work via a solo show at Hignell Gallery, Mayfair in 2017, he returned to his home county of Dorset to continue to focus on his own work and to start The Dorset Stone Carver.He now divides his time between sculpture and teaching traditional carving skills. Bens has nearly twenty years combined training, site experience within the heritage sector and experience working as a professional artist so we feel the knowledge you will gain on one of our courses is second to none. Ben will adjust his teaching style to help each student get the most out of their time here in a calm and patient manner. Visit benrussell.co.uk to see Ben's own sculptural work or thedorsetstonecarver.co.uk for further info.
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- UK Holiday
- Mother's Day
- Suitable for beginners
- School holiday workshops & activities
- Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
- Intermediate level
- Accommodation offered
- Stag dos
- Parking provided
- Hen dos
- Father's Day
- Corporate days out & team building
FAQs
We will use a very soft limestone for beginner courses so we will make good progress. There is an option to add an extra day when booking if you want extra time as I know two days may seem short. If you still feel you need more time we can discuss further time/lessons in person. The beginner course is a short taste of stone carving. We will be offering longer courses down the line but this course is great to get a feel for it and see if you want to continue. Note: please only purchase the extra day along with the two day course..
Yes absolutely but please check the description for each course as we hope to hold courses for various experience levels. Teaching style will be adapted to help each individual student get the most out of their experience.
Yes absolutely
Bringing a clay model or maquette to use as a reference is a great idea but you could also work from a sketch, a found object like a shell or pine cone, or simply work from your imagination.
Just some sturdy boots and clothing appropriate for the season as we will be outside. Steel toe caps are safest but this is at your own discretion. I will provide appropriate PPE. Please bare in mind that you will get a little dusty.
Yes ample parking right next to the course site
Yes. Subject to availability camping/glamping is available within a couple of minutes walk down a private farm track. Please note I do not oversee the bookings but can direct you to the website to book your stay. The wider area has a huge selection of campsites, B&B's and hotels. We are close to the towns of Bridport, West Bay, Charmouth and Lyme Regis. All are within a few miles as is the wonderful Jurassic Coast with all its fossil hunting delights.
Yes. The courses take place in a sheltered yard with a large lean to for shelter from the rain and many spots to work out of the sun if it gets too hot. Please dress for the season.
I am happy to accommodate under 18s if accompanied by a parent/guardian.
The Marshwood Vale is nestled within the rolling hills of the AONB of West Dorset. This is a beautiful area teeming with wildlife. The course is run on a 600 acre ex dairy farm now being sustainably run. The farm has an award winning campsite with glamping, quiet camping and land pods available across the site. There are amazing footpaths through woodlands, quiet fields and past natural ponds. A short walk up the hill behind the workshop gives spectacular views back to the Jurassic coast famous for all its fossil hunting delights. Bridport, Lyme Regis, Charmouth, West Bay and Seatown are all within an easy drive and well worth a visit. Check out the image gallery for some pics taken in and around the workshop.
Ben is a trained Architectural Stone Carver who has worked upon numerous prestigious heritage projects throughout London. He is trained in carving, lettering and model making and has won numerous awards for his work. He is also a sculptor and exhibits his nature inspired pieces at exhibitions throughout the UK and through the galleries which represent him in London. He has a broad range of skills which he looks forward to sharing with you at your own pace in a calm and patient manner.
I have two very friendly rescue dogs who like to sun themselves in my yard while I work. If you are nervous about dogs just let me know before hand.