Crafts that built the Cathedral: Woodcarving Workshop

Join local professional woodcarver Natasha Houseago in the calm surroundings of St Marys Close (weather permitting, wet weather location provided).

This exciting, hands on, woodcarving workshop will run from 10-4pm , giving you the chance to learn techniques that were used to build the Cathedral 1000 years ago!

Inspired by examples from the Cathedral itself, you'll have the chance to carve your very own piece of history, to take home.

Experience level: No previous experience necessary

Program of study:
- Health and Safety introduction
- Learn about the wood- Learn to use woodcarving tools
- Draw out your simple design
- Edge out your idea with Chisels and mallet.
- Learn to use a stop cut and carve away around your form to raise it up.
- Use rasps and abrasives to refine and finish.
- Add a coat of linseed oil or wax to seal the grain and protect your carving.

Ages 16+ welcome. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Adults who are not participating do not need to book a ticket.
All materials, workbenches, tools and PPE provided.
Sensible footwear please, no sandals!

You will have a lunch break and you may wish to bring a packed lunch.

At the end of the session you'll be able to take your carving home with you, or enter it as part of Gloucester Cathedrals summer exhibition - 'Crafts that Built the Cathedral'.

From 10 July - 26 September Gloucester Cathedral will be showcasing heritage skills and art work produced by the community. By taking part in this workshop, you can choose to have your work featured in the exhibition, it will be returned to you, by post on the close of the exhibition in September.

In the event of bad weather this workshop will take place in our Learning & Participation Hub, the classroom space is up two flights of stairs. Unfortunately, due to the historic nature of the building we are unable to provide level access to the workshop space.