The Kings Foundation Ticket Portal

This three day course is an introduction to letter carving in stone/slate and suitable for beginners. We will discuss different lettering styles and you will hand draw your own design, learn about what works for which purposes and how to transfer your design onto the material. Then you will be taught the ancient technique of carving letters with a chisel and mallet by hand, resulting in letterforms that are sharp, crisp and can last for centuries.

Lisi will give group demonstrations, and support each participant through individual tuition addressing your needs. Each participant can decide whether to aim towards a short, finished piece of work or just letter carving practice.  A slide talk will aid understanding of letterforms (both ancient and contemporary) and stimulate discussions. There will be books and inspirational material for you to look at.

Each student will have their own workstation and there is space for drawing practice and design work.

During the three days you will start off by becoming familiar with the feeling of how to hold the tools and practice some general strokes. You might want to have a go on different materials.

There will be a talk and slide presentation on design and layout.

Lisi will help you to develop your own design which you will then transfer onto the stone/slate.

You will then be ready to carve your design and be proud of it!

About the tutor:

Lisi has set up her letter carving workshop in Wiltshire 10 years ago. Based on her background in visual recognition, art & design, and inspired by themes as diverse as poetry, history, philosophy, science and the landscape, Lisi creates a wide range of original and beautifully crafted sculptural carvings for home, garden and memorials. The pieces demonstrate her ability to respond to her sense of the spirit of place and in some instances, also reveal her wonderfully quirky sense of humour.

She is a QEST scholar, an elected member of the British Master Cavers Association as well as the Lettering Arts Trust (memorials by artists).

This is a 2 day course aimed at those who are new to chair caning or have some basic experience of the craft. It is suitable for both those who make new furniture, and those who have a restoration project in mind.

Course Description

The tuition is over 2 days between 9.30am and 5.00pm.  You will be taught in a small group of up to 8 people by Brian Crossley MBE, a second generation Chair Caner who has practised the craft for over 60 years and teaches in various locations.

Working on a pre-made frame which represents a typical chair seat (as the attached picture), you will be taught the ‘6 way pattern’ which is used on 95% of all caned furniture. 

Day 1

The first day begins with a presentation and discussion, to give participants a good understanding of the history of the craft, materials, tools, techniques and other caning patterns.

After this, participants begin the practical part of the workshop.  All materials and comprehensive course notes will be provided, plus the loan of any tools required.

Caning a frame can be undertaken seated and to assist in handling the frame, this will be held in an adjustable clamp attached to a table. (see note below)

Safety is important.  All measures will be taken to promote the safe use of hand tools and participants will be supervised at all times.

Day 2

Continue caning the frame as on Day 1 .   If time permits, you will be able to weave an alternative pattern on another smaller frame.   Completed frame(s) and notes can be retained.