For Earth’s Sake at The Great Green Barn presents
Stone Letter
Carving Workshop
with tutor
Will Spankie
at the
Great Green Barn
Stone Letter
Carving Workshop
with tutor
Will Spankie
at the
Great Green Barn
DATE & TIME
Friday 5 June 2026: 10am - 4pm
Price*: £105 per person, Optional Vegetarian Lunch £8
Friday 5 June 2026: 10am - 4pm
Price*: £105 per person, Optional Vegetarian Lunch £8
During this one-day beginner's letter cutting practical workshop in stone, you will learn from tutor Will Spankie the art how to draw, mark out, and carve letters in a piece of Portland stone. Using hand tools we will concentrate on the practical aspects of cutting the letters, as well as how to source the stone and tools, chisel sharpening and finishing the letters we carve. Although hand lettercutting is a skill which takes years to master Will aims to give people what they need to start that journey.
All materials you use during the day are fully sustainable, and included in the price.
All materials you use during the day are fully sustainable, and included in the price.
Our Tutor
Will studied sculpture at Sir John Cass school of Art and Central St Martins in London, he learnt letter cutting through short courses with local craftspeople including Paul Wherle and John Skelton. He has been a self-employed stone carver for over twenty years, making stone sculpture, birdbaths and seating and undertaking lettering commissions in stone and wood for headstones, memorials, poetry benches etc.
Will works predominantly in stone and wood because they are durable, lovely to carve and have their own innate beauty. The ideas behind his sculptural work are often influenced by organic forms, material and the environment.
Will studied sculpture at Sir John Cass school of Art and Central St Martins in London, he learnt letter cutting through short courses with local craftspeople including Paul Wherle and John Skelton. He has been a self-employed stone carver for over twenty years, making stone sculpture, birdbaths and seating and undertaking lettering commissions in stone and wood for headstones, memorials, poetry benches etc.
Will works predominantly in stone and wood because they are durable, lovely to carve and have their own innate beauty. The ideas behind his sculptural work are often influenced by organic forms, material and the environment.
Participant Information
Each workshop is limited to 8 participants.
The workshop lasts for six hours including a break for lunch - please see refreshments below.
Whilst the workshop is inside the Great Green Barn, participants are advised to wear suitable layered clothing that you don’t mind getting grubby. Please wear old clothes and sturdy closed footwear. All tools, materials and safety equipment will be provided.
What you can expect from this practical workshop
Learn how to design a simple letter or small group of letters and use lettering chisels to carve your design into a small block of Portland stone. You will be able to take your own carved block home with you.
Please note there will not be time in this one-day workshop to create more letters than stated. It is anticipated a future weekend workshop will allow time for the carving of more letters and words, as for a house name.
Refreshments
Teas, coffees and water are included in the ticket price.
Please bring a packed lunch for the mid-workshop break. An optional vegetarian lunch of a slice of warmed Greek Spinach & Feta pie and salad is available to pre-order at £8.
Please let the Great Green Barn know if you have any special dietary requirements.
Each workshop is limited to 8 participants.
The workshop lasts for six hours including a break for lunch - please see refreshments below.
Whilst the workshop is inside the Great Green Barn, participants are advised to wear suitable layered clothing that you don’t mind getting grubby. Please wear old clothes and sturdy closed footwear. All tools, materials and safety equipment will be provided.
What you can expect from this practical workshop
Learn how to design a simple letter or small group of letters and use lettering chisels to carve your design into a small block of Portland stone. You will be able to take your own carved block home with you.
Please note there will not be time in this one-day workshop to create more letters than stated. It is anticipated a future weekend workshop will allow time for the carving of more letters and words, as for a house name.
Refreshments
Teas, coffees and water are included in the ticket price.
Please bring a packed lunch for the mid-workshop break. An optional vegetarian lunch of a slice of warmed Greek Spinach & Feta pie and salad is available to pre-order at £8.
Please let the Great Green Barn know if you have any special dietary requirements.
DETAILS:
Venue: Great Green Barn, Upper House Lane (Run Common Road end), Shamley Green, GU5 0SX
Date & Time: Friday 5 June 2026, 10am - 4pm
Venue: Great Green Barn, Upper House Lane (Run Common Road end), Shamley Green, GU5 0SX
Date & Time: Friday 5 June 2026, 10am - 4pm
If you have any difficulty booking tickets please email [email protected].
Call, Text or WhatsApp: Vanessa on 07973 531259
Price*: £105 per person, Optional Lunch £8
* Includes £1 GGB Restoration Fee
Parking: Limited on site across the road at For Earth's Sake. Please consider car sharing where possible.
Call, Text or WhatsApp: Vanessa on 07973 531259
Price*: £105 per person, Optional Lunch £8
* Includes £1 GGB Restoration Fee
Parking: Limited on site across the road at For Earth's Sake. Please consider car sharing where possible.