Two Day Course programme

Course Tutor: Simon Langsdale

Dates: 28-29 March 2026

Timings: Each course will run from 10am to 4-5pm each day

Location: Parndon Mill, Harlow, Essex, CM20 2HP

Course fee: £220.00 

Course aim :

The aim of this two-day course is to introduce complete beginners to drawing lettering and the basic techniques of carving letters in stone. This course is also suitable for anyone who has had some previous experience and wishes to develop their skills further.

I will have a selection of stones that you can choose to carve on. 

I will also have a wide selection of sources of lettering from my library to inspire you as well as examples of my own work. In preparation, think about a short word, (three to four letters max) that you may like to carve. Then you will be guided through the crucial drawing and design process so that you are ready to carve. Through group demonstrations and one-to-one tuition I will then show you the techniques that are used to carve letters in stone.  

I have many years of teaching experience in various contexts and hold a level 4 PTTLS teaching qualification, so you will be in good hands. Please let me know before the course begins if you will need any adjustments to the teaching (or if you are left-handed, as I carve right-handed) to help you gain the most from the weekend.   

The course will be run over two days and will be structured as follows:

Saturday:

Course welcome and introduction

Introduction to drawing letters

Lunch

Drawn lettering/draw inscription project

Begin carving inscription project

Sunday:

Carving of inscription project

Lunch

Carving of inscription project

Please bring the following pieces of equipment:

Pencils, H or 2H, pencil sharpener, eraser, ruler, calculator, a small drawing board A3/A2 in size, P3 dust mask to P3, safety glasses, steel toe capped boots or sturdy footwear, packed lunch, (There is a Sainsbury’s nearby)

We will supply all other equipment necessary for carving.  Should you wish to purchase your own dummy and chisels, I can give you details of suppliers.

 Reading list :

We recommend that you read one of the following books as this will help to provide you with an overview of what will be covered during the two days.

Tom Perkins, The Art of Letter Carving in Stone, (The Crowood Press Ltd, 2007)

 (This has become the standard reference book for letter carving and has detailed advice on drawn lettering and carving techniques, drawn alphabets and many photographs of contemporary letter carvers’ work, a must have book for anyone interested in lettering.)

 Michael Harvey, Carving Letters in Stone & Wood, (The Bodley Head Ltd, 1987)

Richard Grasby, Letter Cutting in Stone: A Work Book, (Sacketts, 2011)

Contact Details:

Please feel free to contact me by email or telephone if you have any queries.

Simon Langsdale

Parndon Mill

Harlow

Essex

CM20 2HP

Mobile: 07701027042

Email: simonlangs@hotmail.co.uk

Website: www.simonlangsdalelettercarver.co.uk

Please note: the specifics of the courses are not vetted or endorsed by the Lettering Arts Trust.