Stone Carving: Gothic Gargoyles and Gremlins

WEEKLY: Tuesdays, 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm

DATES: 8 weeks from 6th January 2026
6, 13, 20, 27 Jan
3, 10 Feb
No class on 17 Feb
24 Feb
3 Mar

Class overview
Unleash your inner Goth in this dynamic eight-week evening course exploring the art of stone carving. Guided through each stage of the process, you’ll learn how to design and carve your own expressive relief sculpture in UK-sourced Portland stone, drawing inspiration from nature and Gothic architecture.

Working with hand tools, you’ll explore texture, pattern and layered forms to create your own gargoyle, bat, dragon or other beastly companion through guided, hands-on practice. You’ll develop traditional carving skills, discover the tactile joy of working in stone, and finish the course with a sculptural piece ready to display at home or in the garden.

Who’s this course for?
For anyone who’s interested in trying stone carving in a supportive setting. Ideal for beginners, creative adults and young people aged 16 or older – and those with some experience are welcomed. Simple templates will be provided for beginners, while more experienced carvers will be encouraged to challenge themselves to create a multi-layered design with varied textures.

What you’ll explore:

• • How to design your Gothic stone relief sculpture.
  • Using a flat chisel tool to set out your design.
  • Creating the illusion of depth using overlapping shapes.
  • Making textures with a claw chisel.
  • Using a riffler to smooth your design and add detail.

This course gives you the tools and space to shape something lasting — with patience, focus and your own hands. You’ll also discover how carving stone invites a kind of attention that is slower and quieter than your typical daily life, and something that is deeply connected to the material.

Materials and preparation
You’ll receive a UK-sourced Portland stone, tools, safety glasses and dust masks.

You do not need any particular skills when you first join the course. You’ll simply need the ability to hold tools in both hands: a chisel in one and a dummy (stonemason’s hammer) in the other.

You’re welcomed to bring along any designs or sketches you might already wish to use of Gothic gargoyles, gremlins, bats and beasts. Bold, simple images are best without complex thin parts. Your tutor will discuss their suitability and help you prepare them for carving.

Otherwise, Gothic designs and historical inspiration will be available to work from.

Please note that this course does not include letter cutting. Please do not include letters or numbers in your image design.

What to wear
Please wear old clothes, an apron and sturdy closed-toe shoes, which are essential for your safety. Closed-toe shoes are a strict safety requirement – please do not come to class without them.

About the tutor
Amanda Rastall is a sculptor who creates abstract stone carvings inspired by plants and fungi.

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