Teaching & Courses

I am a highly experienced and talented teacher of students of all ages and abilities.

I have taught from Reception Class to a gentlemen approaching his 100th birthday.

Course numbers are kept low to ensure each student benefits from high-quality teaching.

Courses start with basic tool use, chisel selection and sharpening.

Each student is given a tablet of lime wood sourced locally to Ludlow.

Students are given support to draw their own designs on paper which they then trace onto the wood.

With one-to-one tuition and demonstration, attendees work at their own pace throughout the day to achieve a highly advanced or finished carving.

All tools, timber, workstations and some refreshments will be provided.

Upcoming Courses

St Mary’s Church, Shrewsbury

This course is part funded by the Churches Conservation Trust, a registered charity whose purpose is to protect historic churches at risk in England. The charity cares for churches of architectural, cultural and historic significance.   Courses are held in the spectacular South Chapel, surrounded by the world famous stained glass windows.  Dates and booking via Churches Conservation Trust.

Creative Breaks, Herefordshire

Creative Breaks Herefordshire was set up in 2000 to offer art and craft courses in rural areas with a ‘have a go-take it home’ message.  These courses are run over one or two days depending on demand and are held at my sculpture and carving studio based in Ludlow. Numbers are limited to two students at a time.  Refreshments and a light lunch are provided. Please contact me directly for course dates and booking.

2024 dates to be announced

Wenlock Abbey, Shropshire 

Following previous sell out success, a new programme of courses is planned for 2024.  These are comprehensive full day courses at Wenlock Abbey, a building that dates back to the early 12th Century and was founded by the French Cluniac order of monks.  Over a number of years I worked closely with the owner, the late Louis de Wet, on the restoration programme of the Abbey.  Rarely open to the public, attendees will have an exclusive private tour of the Abbey and a talk.  Classes are held in the magnificent Great Hall where students will carve a piece inspired by decorative elements in the Abbey.  Full instruction, guidance and tool sharpening tutorage are given.  Refreshments are included.  Booking via The Louis de Wet Foundation website www.ldw-foundation.com 

Marlborough College Summer School

Medieval Woodcarving – A Practical Introduction

I am a tutor and lecturer of Medieval Woodcarving at Marlborough College Summer School.  The School offers a wide variety of stimulating courses hosted at the prestigious College founded in the 19th Century.  The Summer School is internationally renowned and entering it’s 50^th year.  Attendees have the option of live in accommodation.  My course is extremely popular and offers 15 hours quality tuition over the course of a week.  The course runs every July and can be booked via Marlborough College Summer School.

Monday 8th – Friday 12th July 2024

Kingsland, Herefordshire

Fully subsidised children’s wood carving holiday workshops for 5 to 11 year olds. The Familiar Treasures project runs “Heritage Heroes” courses which are held two or three times a year in the school holidays and hosted at Kingsland Church and the Methodist Chapel.  Engaging and practical age appropriate courses are tailored to the individual child.  Children are encouraged to use their own imagination and teaching takes place in a relaxed environment.  Each child takes home a finished piece to be proud of.  Dates and booking via The Familiar Treasures Project, Kingsland website.

2024 dates to be announced

Ludlow Men’s Shed

The Men’s Shed is a community project managed by Hands Together Ludlow; a charity which operates from a well-equipped town centre workshop. The charity provides a social space for meeting others, strengthening the community and sharing skills to directly benefit mental wellbeing.  Full day carving courses are open to all genders and operate two or three times a year. The cost of the course is subsidised and dates are published on the Hands Together Ludlow website.

2024 dates to be announced