Below is a list of BWA members who tutor in areas across the UK, plus one school in Austria and woodcarving holidays/tuition in Greece.
For the novice wishing to take up carving, some tuition with a professional can be invaluable. Learning the correct techniques will quickly enable the novice to produce beautiful and fulfilling carvings. It can also be a cost cutting exercise as advice will be given regarding tools, timber and equipment, saving you the cost of buying unnecessary or unsuitable tools, or failing through using unsuitable timber. Intermediate carvers can also benefit greatly by improving their technique and artistry.
"Carvers don't make mistakes - they make adjustments", and the best people to tell you how, are listed below.
WOODCARVING HOLIDAYS IN GREECE
Simon Clements and Stephen Scott teach wood carving in the shade of the olive groves near Vassiliki on the island of Lefkas. Surrounded by green mountains, Vassiliki looks out across the Ionian Sea to Ithaca and Cephalonia: the Greece of legend.In spring and early autumn, when the island is at its best, Simon and Stephen invite you to Lefkas for a wood carving holiday course. Everyone from beginners to experts are welcome, as well as non-carving partners.
See website for details. http://www.woodcarversgreece.com
Tel +44 (0)20 8673 1555
Peter Benson The Essex School of Woodcarving I have been carving since I was a child, and, having spent a lifetime in teaching, now consider myself primarily a woodcarving teacher, and secondly a carver. The Essex School of Woodcarving provides courses for carvers of all abilities mostly on a one day basis but also offers courses of any length according to demand. Email:
bencarve@talktalk.net
Dave Johnson
Gloucestershire
I have been a professional wood sculptor and teacher for many years. I teach a Wood Sculpture Course Thursdays at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester, Glos. Maximum of 8 students, tools provided. The course is suitable for beginners and those with some experience. It provides a structured introduction teaching basic skills, guidance and advice so students can pursue a project of their own choice.
Contact:
education@newbreweryarts.org.uk Gwen Rogers on 01285 657181 or Dave.
I also accept students of all abilities at my studio in Huntley, Gloucestershire, either one-to-one or small groups, arrangements to suit.
Email:
dave@djsculptor.co.uk
Website:
www.djsculptor.co.uk
Telephone: 01452 830635
Chris Pye
I've been a professional woodcarver, author and teacher of woodcarving for nigh on 30 years, and am a member of the Master Carvers Association.
I give 1-on-1 personal carving tuition, tailored to the student, from beginner to advanced.
All forms of bench woodcarving undertaken, details on website.
Email:
chris@chrispye-woodcarving.com
Website:
www.chrispye-woodcarving.com
Telephone: 01432 831137
Linden, Brilley, Herefordshire HR3 6JZ
Dick Onians
Courses tutored at a number of colleges
Private tuition at: Woodside, Common Wood, Kings, Langley, Herts WDA 9BA
Telephone: 01923 265996
PETER WALWIN
WOODSCULPTURE, WOODCARVING AND FINE FURNITURE
I have been a professional woodcarver for 25 years and am based in Gloucestershire.
Tuition by arrangement to suit.
Website:
www.peterwalwin.co.uk
Michael Painter
I am based in Warwickshire and have been a professional woodcarver for 30 years. I offer tuition at my studio for all abilities, both one-to-one and small groups and am a member of the Worshipful Guild of Smiths. Many of my students return on a regular basis. I also give masterclasses to carving groups at their venue.
"With patience and determination anyone can carve as long as they are encouraged and shown the correct techniques".
Email:
info@mikepainter.co.uk
Website:
www.mikepainter.co.uk
Telephone: 01827 830133
The Geisler-Moroder Austrian Woodcarving School
Many courses run in Austria, including Winter in the Alps. Enjoy a holiday whilst improving your skills. Full details are on the website, or contact Peter Hurrell
Website:
www.woodcarvingschool.com
Telephone: 02392 373899
John Boddy's Fine Wood and Tool Store N.Yorkshire
Carving courses with a maximum of four students to ensure individual tuition and hands on practical exercises. All tools and equipment provided.
Email:
info@john-boddys-fwts.co.uk
Website:
www.john-boddy-timber.ltd.uk
Telephone: 01423 322370
Fax: 01423 323810
Riverside Sawmills, Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, YO51 9LJ
Zoe Gertner
I am based in Devon, and teach relief, in the round, lettering and decoration, and have had books published on the subject. Complete beginners, accompanied children aged eight upwards, to carvers with some experience welcome. Tuition can be one to one, or to groups of up to ten persons. Weekend and longer courses. Accommodation in the Farmhouse or close by, and spouses/partners/pets are welcome. Full details can be found on my website.
www.zoegertner.co.uk
Telephone: (+44) 01409 261648
Sharon Littley I have been carving for many years - as a hobby carver first before turning professional. My students range from absolute beginners to those with more experience and knowledge and I have many students who keep coming back. My courses are run at Residential Centres, locally and privately. Information on the various courses can be viewed on my website
www.sharonlittley.com If you would like to contact me my email is sharon55_1955@yahoo.co.uk.
You may also phone me on 01639 884983. I am based near Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan. Gerald Adams I am based in Norwich and have been a professional woodcarver
since 1986 after gaining a BA (hons) degree in fine art. My interest in woodcarving began while working for a leading furniture making firm, and then studying woodcarving at the London college of furniture. I then went on to complete a post graduate certificate in education and taught city and guild students part time in the local technical college and adult education. I am a member of the Master Carvers Association. I run various courses for beginners and improvers, full details of which are on my website www.adamswoodcarving.co.uk or telephone me on 01508 532111.
