Maker's bio

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 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.