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Terracotta sculpture of an open book with text

Working in Stone 
Stone Carving Courses In East Sussex

Enjoy expert stone carving tuition in East Sussex with Albourne Stone & Marble. Our tailored courses cater to all skill levels, offering hands-on guidance from experienced craftsmen to help you create stunning, bespoke stone and marble pieces. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, our supportive environment ensures an enriching experience.

Introduction to Stonemasonry

For a memorable and rewarding experience for yourself or as a gift

 

Working in stone courses are fun, fulfilling and just a little bit different

 

2025 will be the seventeenth season of stone carving courses run at my home workshops in rural Whitesmith near Lewes, Sussex, where the setting is authentic and inspiring, encouraging you and your creativity to flourish

 

ALL YOU NEED TO BRING IS ENTHUSIASM AND A PAIR OF STOUT SHOES.

 

Whether you want to try something completely new or develop your existing skills, we have a range of courses available to suit all ages, abilities and objectives.

With small group sizes you will receive in-depth tuition, advice and guidance.

Chris Pellett has almost fifty years’ experience in stone carving. His relaxed, encouraging and enthusiastic style make the weekends suitable for all ages from 11 – 91.

Whether it is for entirely recreational purposes or for professional development, the aim of each course is to enable you to successfully take home a piece that you can be proud of and equip you with skills for the future.

All of the courses include the stone, use of the tools and plenty of encouragement as well as a tasty light lunch and delicious homemade cake.

The courses can be tailored to suit your needs and support whatever project you’d like to work on so if you have any questions please just ring, 01825 872830 or email ctpellett@yahoo.co.uk.

Prices remain at £90 for one day and £175 for two days.

Dates for 2025 Carving Workshops

Saturday/Sunday April 12th  & April 13th

Every day from Saturday May 10th  to Friday May 16th*

Every day from Saturday June 7th  to Friday June 13th*

Saturday/Sunday July 12th & 13th

Saturday/Sunday August 9th & 10th

Saturday/Sunday September 13th & 14th

October weekends of 4th & 5th and 11th & 12th

There will be a full return to Tuesday evenings from April 8th through to October 21st

Possibly some Tuesday afternoons* as well.

 *subject to demand.

A Stone statue with a portion obscured

Introduction to Stonemasonry

A one-day course teaches you basic masonry techniques. This course is ideal for beginners. The aim of the day: to carve your very own Pugin-inspired table centrepiece/candleholder.

Starting with a short safety briefing you’ll learn about the tools and the stone, selecting the best stone for the job. You’ll learn about profiling and creating facets (levels) before going on to carve the details.

At the end of the day you will have produced something to be proud of and hopefully caught the stonemasonry bug and want to come back for more.

Relief Carving 

Over two days, you will learn the masonry techniques required to carve a 2D tablet. This course is suitable for beginners as well as those who have some previous experience.

As with all the courses you’ll start with a short safety briefing, you’ll learn about the tools and the stone, selecting the best stone for the job and which tools to use for each stage of carving. You’ll learn practical masonry profiling and creating facets (levels) before going on to carve the details, creating depth, texture, light and shade.

At the end of the course you will have carved a 2D tablet that could be set into a wall or patio or as a decorative feature indoors.

A Stone sculpture of a winged creature on a pedestal
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Letter Cutting

This 2-day course is perfect for those who want to learn the art of letter cutting and put it to good use, e.g. carving a house name. No previous experience necessary.

Beginning with the usual short safety briefing, you’ll learn about the tools and the stone, selecting the best stone for the job. You’ll start your project by learning the techniques for marking out the inscription before moving on to carving out the letters. You’ll finish by tidying up the edges and adding the serifs.

At the end of the course you will have completed your inscription ready to be proudly displayed for all to see. Picture shows Hastingford Farm carved in Clipsham by Caroline over 4 days. First go at lettering!

3D Sculptural Stone Carving

This course is perfect for those who want to be a bit more ambitious and create a 3D sculpture. You can create a small 3D sculpture within 2 days although for bigger projects you may like to book an extra day or take advantage of our Open Workshop on Tuesdays (see below).

As with the other courses you’ll start with a safety briefing and with Chris’ help select the best stone for the job. Then you’ll be taught the techniques for projecting profiles and creating facets (levels) before using a variety of different tools to chisel away and carve the details, creating depth and texture from every angle.

At the end of the course you will have created your very own sculptural masterpiece.

(NB: the approximate size of stone included is 12”x12”x6” but if you want to do something bigger this can be arranged for an additional cost – call us to discuss)

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Enroll Now To Start Crafting Your Masterpiece

Unleash Your Creativity With Expert Stone Carving Courses In East Sussex At Albourne Stone & Marble. Call Our Team Or Fill In Our ontact Form.

Contact Details

01825 872830

2 Prices Farm Cottages, Whitesmith, Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 6JD

Opening Hours

Monday – Friday: 08:00 - 18:00
Saturday: 09:00 - 12:30
Sunday: Closed

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