Ornamental Woodcarving Workshop

Enjoy a one-day introduction to ornamental woodcarving.



7 hours Class size 1 to 5 guests     £175
Looking to delve into the world of woodcarving? This woodworking class in Central London offers a one-day introduction to the craft, perfect for beginners. You'll learn the basics of woodcarving in a small class setting with a focus on how to use tools safety and effectively, traditional ornament, and understanding timber properties. Through hands-on practice, you'll explore shallow relief and chip carving techniques, creating a project to take home and display or continue working on.
  • Identify suitable timber species for carving projects
  • Learn to use chisels and mallet safely
  • Secure your work and lay out designs on timber
  • Create incised designs and explore historic ornamentation
In this friendly and relaxed workshop, you'll be guided through each step with care. Tea and coffee will be provided during breaks, so you can relax and contemplate your carving. By the end of this creative experience, you'll not only have newfound skills but also a beautiful woodcarving project to showcase your progress.
Please note: if cancelling a place booked on this course, please give fourteen days notice in order to ensure you receive a full refund. If rescheduling, please allow seven days notice so that your place can be offered to other students. Late cancellations and refunds will be at the teacher's discretion.

Please note: Public dates for this class require at least 2 guests to run. In the unlikely event that we don't reach this number, we'll cancel the class; in this case we'll inform you and allow you to get a refund or reschedule, so please watch your email/SMS one day prior to the class.
Knowledge required
No prior carving experience is necessary. Complete beginners will be guided through the basic techniques, while more advanced students will be given guidance on how to refine their skills further.
More experienced students wishing to focus on particular aspects of their practice will be accomodated, but if the area you wish to focus on is particularly specialist then you are encouraged to book a one-to-one master class, as we are unlikely to have time within the beginner-friendly class format to go into greater depth. If you are an advanced student wishing to be set a more complex project, please email well in advance of booking to discuss what might be possible within the time frame and class format.
Please note that the nature of woodcarving means that you will be working in a standing position during the course hours, which some people may find physically demanding. One stool is available on request - please make this request before booking, as it may already have been allocated to another student.
What you'll get
  • Your completed carving project
  • Wood suitable for your carving project
  • The use of carving tools
  • Focused personal tuition
  • Tea, coffee and cake
  • A printed document detailing the contents of the course, and resources for developing your woodcarving practice further
  • Timber carving blanks available to purchase at the end of the course
  • The option to be notified of special discounted prices on upcoming courses, available only to previous students
What to bring
  • Sturdy, covered shoes are essential for your safety, and you are strongly encouraged to wear leather boots or a safety work boot for maximum protection. Students who wear open-toed shoes or sandals will not be allowed to take the course. Safety boots are available inexpensively for both men and women from multiple suppliers online.
  • Any additional carving tools you may wish to use on the day (please ensure any tools you bring are clearly marked with your name).
  • A packed lunch, which can be enjoyed in the nearby Queen’s Square a few minutes' walk from the studio. Alternatively, there are a number of shops and cafes less than a minute’s walk away, and several supermarkets within five minutes’ walk. Students are asked to leave the studio during the lunch break.
  • Appropriate clothing for a workshop environment, which you don’t mind getting dusty, dirty, or covered in wood chips. If you would like the additional protection, please bring an apron.
  • A notebook and pencil.
Suitable for

Suitable for adults, and kids (minimum 14 years old).

An adult must accompany any attending kids, and must pay for a separate ticket.

Location

Cockpit Studios, Cockpit Yard, London, WC1N 2NP, England

Cockpit Studios is in easy walking distance from Holborn, Russell Square and Chancery Lane underground stations.

Ornamental Woodcarving Workshop location
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Your teacher
Clunie Fretton
Clunie Fretton
(Fretton Handley)

5.0 (3)
2k
female Women-owned

Clunie Fretton is an award-winning classically trained sculptor, master carver & gilder. Her work is included in the collections of: St. George's Chapel Windsor, the Victoria & Albert Museum, The Houses of Parliament, the London Livery Companies, and churches and cathedrals around the UK. Clunie featured as the master woodcarver on the Sky Arts television series Bill Bailey's 'Master Crafters'.
1E57MXLBSX b30fa37a8c654059964d2a78c24cea95 production London London GB london