Letter Carving

04/11/2025 - 02/12/2025

Duration : 5 weeks

| Arts & Craft

On this short course, start your journey in carving on stone. Choose to carve letters or numbers.

Brief Description: 

As the word of letter cutting implies, we will carve letters (or numbers) on stones.  In this beginner’s course, you will learn how to carve house numbers or paper weights using a piece of Welsh slate which is less challenging for a beginner than harder types of stone.   

During this course, you will be introduced to basic letter design and drawing which will be a base for good letter cutting.  The tutor will also show you some calligraphy which is also a source for letter design.  Without sound knowledge of lettering and the associated drawing skill, you can’t achieve a high level of letter cutting.   

Also handling and maintaining tools correctly are very important skills to achieve good hand cut lettering. You will use Tungsten Carbide head chisels and a dummy (a form of hammer), which will be provided.  The tutor will show you the correct technique to sharpen the chisels.  

As mentioned you will be using a piece of Welsh slate in this course but there will hopefully be some opportunities to cut various other stones which are native to the U.K. 

You will also get a brief history of letter cutting in the U.K. including Edward Johnston and Eric Gill. 

Please note: You will be handling stones, heavy and sharp tools so we highly recommend wearing  steel toe shoes or heavy duty shoes. 

Sandals or other casual shoes are not recommended.  

 

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?  

Complete beginners are welcome 

 

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, you will have the opportunity to learn: 

  • Basic history of letter cutting 
  • Basic knowledge of lettering (drawing letters)  
  • Basic skill of letter cutting 
  • How to handle tools and materials 

 

Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment:

A piece of Welsh slate (15 x 15 x 2 cm) will be provided. Please note: the cost is not included in the course fee. Expect to pay approximately £35 for the materials. Tools will be provided.  

For the first session you will need to bring:

Drawing paper, pencil, a ruler (minimum 30cm long)  

 On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

Learning calligraphy and lettering.  Further experience in letter cutting. 

Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or maybe look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sunday’s , you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more

 

‹ To overview
Letter Carving

Course details

Location

Coleridge Community College, Radegund Road, Cambridge CB1 3RJ

Time

10am - 12noon

Fees

£78 (£47 concessionary price)

Booking notes

To book onto this course, please either call the office on 01223 712340 or email office@adultlearning.education

Tutor

Emi Gordon

Emi studied BA Calligraphy and Bookbinding at the University of Surry, Roehampton (now Roehampton University). She is a professional letter cutter but has occasionally organised bookbinding courses for children and for adults.

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