Stonemasons at Oakraven
Located in a picturesque Forest of Dean, The Stonemasons Guild provides all stone carving courses & workshops at the Oakraven Field Centre. The stonemasons Guild boasts a team of talented stonemasons and sculptors, led by the guilds Master Stephen L’Normand, who will provide expert tuition throughout. Whether you’re looking for an experience to remember with a piece you carved to take home, to add some new techniques to your sculptors or stonemasons repertoire or learn more about the crafts history and while getting the feel for the tools little changed over time you’ll find these extensive courses offer just the thing. By the end of your time with us you’ll be ready to go home and impress your family and friends with your newly acquired skills, knowledge and an original work in stone.
Stone carving not only serves as a form of artistic expression, but is also a profound tool for enhancing well-being. The mindfulness, emotional depth, and sense of community it fosters contribute to mental and emotional healing. In a society that often prioritizes productivity over creativity, the act of carving stone invites individuals to slow down, connect with themselves and the world around them, and ultimately, transform both their materials and their lives. Engaging with this ancient craft can lead to personal growth, resilience, and an enduring sense of peace—qualities that are essential in today’s complex world. All courses offer a safe, friendly environment and are well suited to social prescribing initiatives and community referrals.
1-day courses
All courses/workshops cost £110 per day. Our one day workshops can be stand alone or lead into further courses. Those returning with some experience can choose their own piece. Running in conjunction with our one day courses, our three day courses allow time for larger or more detailed pieces.
3-day course
Our three day courses cost £330. Accommodation is available at the site at an extra cost of £35 per person per night, or £25 per person per night if sharing a room.
Our three day courses fall into three categories:
- Courses where you can choose from subjects including relief carving, gargoyles and grotesques, letter cutting, banker work and more.
- Themed courses. Over the year we hold a series of themed courses, St. Andrew, Gargoyles, Green men, St. Columba, Celtic knot.
- Dry Stone Walling Leading up to the summer solstice of 20th June 2025
6 or 12 week courses
For both our six and twelve week courses the creating and learning a new skill is just part of the experience. Stone carving not only serves as a form of artistic expression but is also a profound tool for enhancing well-being. The mindfulness, emotional depth, and sense of community it fosters contribute to mental and emotional healing. In a society that often prioritizes productivity over creativity, the act of carving stone invites individuals to slow down, connect with themselves and the world around them, and ultimately, transform both their materials and their lives. Engaging with this ancient craft can lead to personal growth, resilience, and an enduring sense of peace—qualities that are essential in today’s complex world.
Six week course (one day a week) costs £660. The six week courses are structured so all booking must be in before week one of the course. The six week courses start on the: 7th January, 25th February, 11th June and 5th November.
Twelve week course (three hours a week) costs £540 or Individual workshops cost £45. The twelve week courses take place between 9am – 12pm and are geared towards everyone working on their own project at their own speed so the course can begin anytime allowing 12 workshops from that point.
Booking
COURSE VENUE: All theses courses are run at the Oakraven Field Centre at Jubilee Road, Mitcheldean, Gloucestershire, GL17 0EE.
Stone, tools, PPE, instruction and tea and coffee are all included in the prices. Coffee, tea, drinks & biscuits supplied free, please bring a packed lunch. If staying overnight self-catering facilities are provided, or there are plenty of local takeaways with delivery.
Overnight accommodation available at Oakraven (if required) at an additional cost: £35 per person per night, or £25 per person if sharing a room.
Course booking & enquires should be made via e-mail to: stephen@echinus-stone-academy.com. For further details on The Stonemasons Guild see https://www.echinus-stone-academy.com/
