The cost of materials is included in the overall price and by limiting class size we ensure that you will receive individual attention.

We are delighted to offer all course participants one free day session to enable you to come back and work at Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop or to experiment further with techniques learned.

A very popular course which provides an opportunity to learn wood carving techniques. Participants can make 3-dimensional sculpture or work on relief panels.

Working with a model this course will help you to develop observational skills and learn traditional modelling techniques used to make a clay portrait head.

Using limestone, a relatively soft stone, you will be able to explore different techniques to create a 3-dimensional or relief carving. This is suitable for beginners and participants working at a more advanced level.

You will learn to cast paper from a variety of materials, with the option of then printing onto these papers to create striking imagery. This course covers most papermaking techniques, including paper made from plants, recycled paper and relief-casting from pulp, and mark-making skills such as mono printing and lino cut.

An Introduction to ideas-led contemporary sculptural practice, during which participants will initially explore the potential of transforming pre-existing objects into artworks, as a means of illustrating a conceptual approach. The aim is to develop a clear and free working method that would serve as a foundation for working in any media.

A popular course which allows experimentation with a variety of glass-making techniques and colours in order to create beautiful glass pieces. Techniques include fusing, slumping and open-mould casting.

A new course which will teach skills relating to creating a model. Using the figure as a starting point of reference, you will create a piece of contemporary sculpture using clay modelling and collage techniques.



WEEKEND COURSES AND TASTERS

This intensive four day course offers a thorough understanding of Lafarge modelling. Lafarge is a quick drying and weatherproof material and is therefore ideal for outdoor sculptures. The course is in two parts – the first involves creation of a metal armature. The second part involves modelling of the cement around this foundation structure.

Running over two Saturdays in ESW’s metal workshop this course offers an introduction to welding and plasma cutting enabling participants to make a small sculpture. Places are limited to 6 so early booking is advised.

This workshop offers a practical introduction to contemporary sculptural practice. Using a range of materials such as wood, metal or found objects, you will be able to explore ideas relating to the development of abstract sculpture and gain an insight into how artists working in this way create work and develop ideas.

For people who wish to develop their metal-working skills this course offers a unique opportunity to create an outdoor work using sheet steel. Places are limited to 4 so early booking is advised.

Providing an introduction to the practical use of found objects in sculptural practice this taster session is a practical session which will explore the creative possibilities of working with found objects.

A basic workshop designed as an introduction to feltmaking techniques which provides opportunities to learn both wet and dry methods and produce up to three forms of felted work.

How can art express ideas and still provide visually stimulating, emotionally engaging work? This workshop introduces participants to contemporary art practice by starting with the idea rather than the artwork, looking at research and experimentation as a means of creating 3-dimensional work. Materials will be dictated by participants’ personal requirements.

All participants are invited to take part in an exhibition of work made on the education programme. There will be two exhibitions, one after the autumn/winter term and one at the end of the summer term. Both will be held at Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop and will be open to the public.

Please contact us by telephone on +44 (0) 131 551 4490 or by email on admin@edinburghsculpture.org with details of the course you would like to join. Payment must be made in advance for all courses. Courses are for people aged 16 and upwards.

ESW can also facilitate group or schools workshops tailored to specific needs or requirements for people of all ages and abilities. Please contact our Office Manager, Lynn Cowan, for information about workshop rates or to book your visit.

What we do
Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop provides studios, workspaces and specialist equipment accommodating a broad range of sculptural practice. For those who want to learn the basics of sculpture-making or who wish to develop their skills, our courses offer a wide choice of activity and are a good introduction for people wanting to work on their own at ESW.

We run a programme of talks, exhibitions and other events throughout the year which are open to all. If you would like to be kept informed about events at ESW please email or call us with your contact details and we will add you to our mailing list.

We are currently fundraising for a new building to be built on our present site in Leith close to the “Edinburgh Waterfront” development area. Our ambition is to create the first purpose-built, open access sculpture facility in the UK with the aim of becoming a true centre of excellence for contemporary sculpture on a local, national and international level. For further information please visit our website.