BA (Hons) Carving: Woodcarving - City & Guilds o

This three-year BA (Hons) Carving: Woodcarving & Gilding program prepares students for careers in architectural heritage as professional woodcarvers or sculptors. It emphasizes both aesthetic and historical knowledge, alongside practical woodcarving skills. Graduates gain the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in carving, including ornamental woodcarving techniques, gilding techniques, drawing and design, art history and theory, conservation, and professional practice.

Program Outline

BA (Hons) Carving: Woodcarving & Gilding

Degree Overview:

This three-year program prepares students for careers in architectural heritage as professional woodcarvers or sculptors. It emphasizes both aesthetic and historical knowledge, alongside practical woodcarving skills. The program aims to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in carving.

Outline:

The program covers a wide range of topics, including:

Ornamental woodcarving techniques: Students learn traditional hand-carving techniques, including carving in the round, relief carving, and chip carving.
Gilding techniques: Students learn various gilding techniques, including water gilding, oil gilding, and burnishing.
Drawing and design: Students develop their drawing and design skills through a variety of exercises and projects.
Art history and theory: Students gain an understanding of the history of woodcarving and gilding, as well as contemporary theoretical approaches to the field.
Conservation: Students learn basic conservation principles and techniques for the care and restoration of woodcarvings.
Professional practice: Students learn about the business aspects of being a professional woodcarver or sculptor, including marketing, pricing, and client relations.
Year 1: Students focus on developing basic skills and knowledge in woodcarving and gilding.
Year 2: Students further develop their skills and knowledge, and begin to specialize in a particular area of woodcarving or gilding.
Year 3: Students complete a major project, which allows them to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in a professional context.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including coursework, essays, presentations, and practical examinations.
The major project is a significant component of the final assessment.

Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified professionals who are active in the field of woodcarving and gilding.
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, demonstrations, workshops, and individual tutorials.
Students have access to a dedicated woodcarving and gilding studio, equipped with a range of tools and materials.

Careers:

Graduates of the program can pursue careers in a variety of settings, including:

Architectural practices
Conservation studios
Fine art studios
Museums and galleries
Self-employment as a professional woodcarver or sculptor

Other:

The program is validated by Ravensbourne University London.
The program offers a range of grants and bursaries to assist students with the cost of tuition.
The program welcomes students from all backgrounds and levels of experience.