Five-week Evening Woodcarving Course with William Barsley

Take time out each week to explore the art of woodcarving in this five-week evening course with award-winning carver William Barsley. Spread across five relaxed sessions, this course is designed to help you unwind, learn new skills, and steadily build your confidence with the tools and techniques of this ancient craft.

Who's it for?

This course is perfect for complete beginners as well as those looking to expand their creative practice. With small groups and plenty of individual guidance, each participant will progress at their own pace in a supportive and friendly setting.

What you’ll learn

Each session introduces new techniques while allowing time to develop a personal project that grows week-by-week. You’ll begin with the basics of tool handling and mark-making before moving onto relief carving, a versatile decorative style. Over the five weeks you’ll not only create your own carved piece but also gain the skills to continue carving at home.

What’s included

All tools and timber required during the course
Step-by-step tuition and design inspiration
Advice on maintaining and sharpening tools
Tea, coffee, and sweet treats each evening
Option to purchase timber blanks and carving tools for home practice

What to bring

Curiosity, creativity, and comfortable clothing suitable for workshop activity is all you need. For safety, closed-toe shoes must be worn.

Key details

Sessions run over five consecutive weeks with one 2-hour session per week. Session dates are fixed and cannot be swapped.
Evening courses run with a minimum of five participants. If this number isn’t met, we’ll be in touch at least two weeks in advance of the first session to offer alternative dates or a full refund. The maximum number of participants on a course would be eight.

Age Policy:

We welcome young carvers aged 12–16, provided they attend with a parent or guardian who’s taking part too — it’s a great way to learn together! The accompanying adult is responsible for the young person’s safety, supervision, and conduct throughout the session. Ages 16–18 can join independently with a signed consent form (please add a comment when booking if the attendee is 16-18 and we will email a form to complete prior to the course).