The Stone Carving and Lettering Takeaway: Recent Episodes
Nina Bilbey & Charlotte Howarth
Nina Bilby and Charlotte Howarth discuss their work, offer help and advice about carving and lettering, commissions, practicalities and the general day to day running of a carving workshop.
This month Nina and Charlotte talk to the wonderful Matt Caines from 'Star in the Hand', stone carver, sculptor, and all round creative.
Matt talkes us through his training, meeting his wife Amanda who he works with, and how his practise has developed over the many years.
Our Story | Star In The Hand
Have a questison or tip for the fitting room, want us to discuss a particular topic, then send your nice questions and comments to 'The Stone Carving and Lettering Takeaway' - we'd love to hear from you.
info@abraxasacademy.co.uk
www.abraxasacademyshop.co.uk
This month, we're joined by Lieve Cornil—lettering artist, calligrapher, designer, and teacher.Lieve shares her journey into the lettering arts, including her key influences, passions, and deep dedication to her craft. We talk about her extensive teaching experience and what she's learned from helping others develop their lettering and design skills. Pop your headphones on while you work and listen in to get inspired. https://lievecornil.com/en/
https://www.instagram.com/lievecornil.design/
Have a questison or tip for the fitting room, want us to discuss a particular topic, then send your nice questions and comments to 'The Stone Carving and Lettering Takeaway' - we'd love to hear from you.
info@abraxasacademy.co.uk
www.abraxasacademyshop.co.uk
This month we talk to the Steven Travis, maker of our favorite tungsten chisels Al Orr.
We learn about the facinating history of his company R H & G Travis & Son Ltd, how the chisels are still hand made, what the differnet chisel colours mean, and so much more.
Put your headphones on while you are working and listen in to learn more.
Stone Working Tools - Stone Working Tools
Al-Orr Chisels – Southern Stone and Tools
Al-orr Marble & Stone Masonry Chisel Pneumatic Head - Combined Masonry Supplies
Have a questison or tip for the fitting room, want us to discuss a particular topic, then send your nice questions and comments to 'The Stone Carving and Lettering Takeaway' - we'd love to hear from you.
info@abraxasacademy.co.uk
www.abraxasacademyshop.co.uk
In honour of Richard Kindersley we have re-released the interview we recorded late last year.
home - Richard Kindersley Studio Have a questison or tip for the fitting room, want us to discuss a particular topic, then send your nice questions and comments to 'The Stone Carving and Lettering Takeaway' - we'd love to hear from you.
info@abraxasacademy.co.uk
www.abraxasacademy.co.uk
Stone carving courses (abraxasacademy.co.uk)
This month we talk to the fabulous Zoë Wilson who very generously gave us a whole morning to talk. We have edited down this conversation so you get all the best bits. She has a large following on instagram, her page if beautifully curated showing off her work off to its very best.
Zoë Wilson is a sculptor specialising in creating intricate geometric patterns hand-carved into British Stone. Her work focuses on precision, craftsmanship and the slow process of making
https://zoewilsoncarving.com/
https://www.instagram.com/zoewilsoncarving
Have a questison or tip for the fitting room, want us to discuss a particular topic, then send your nice questions and comments to 'The Stone Carving and Lettering Takeaway' - we'd love to hear from you.
info@abraxasacademy.co.uk
www.abraxasacademyshop.co.uk
Charlotte and Nina talk to Amelia Crowley-Roth and Sam Lee from London Stone Carving.
They joyfully discuss their early influences, take us through their projects they have worked on and share the struggles of running a stone carving business.
Sam offers up our Top Tip for the month!
https://www.londonstonecarving.com/
https://www.instagram.com/londonstonecarving/
Rosie Musgrave
https://www.instagram.com/rosiemusgravesculpture/
Her exhibition can be seen at
The Crypt, St. Michael's Hill, Bristol, 17 -19 November 10am - 5pm
Have a questison or Top Tip you would like to share, want us to discuss a particular topic, then send your nice questions and comments to 'The Stone Carving and Lettering Takeaway' - we'd love to hear from you.
info@abraxasacademy.co.uk
After a break, Nina and Charlotte are back, with a promise of more episodes to come.
Listen to their short intro to season 3 of the Stone Carving and Lettering Takeaway.
Top tips and more
Two day intensive drapery in clay course
Fontself - The Easiest Way to Make Fonts
We talk to the inspirational Miriam Johnson about her journey in stonecarving and sculpture, her teaching stone carving in AlUla in Saudi Arabia with the King's Foundation and her current evolving work which manages to merge traditional skills with contemporary expression.
About | miriamjohnson
Instagram@miriam.johnson.stone
The King's Foundation
Courses 2025
Have a questison or tip for the fitting room, want us to discuss a particular topic, then send your nice questions and comments to 'The Stone Carving and Lettering Takeaway' - we'd love to hear from you.
info@abraxasacademy.co.uk
Charlotte and Nina talk to Michael Paraskos about the craft of articulating your thoughts on carving and the value of open debate. Where is carving going and where do we fit in the conversation.
Michael is an writer and educator, publishing novels and books on art and culture, appearing on television and radio, including BBC Radio 4's Front Row. He also writes for newspapers and magazines, including The Spectator and The Guardian
Michael Paraskos | art historian and writer
Pygmalion 1: Provocations in Contemporary Carving: Provocations in Contemporary Carving: Amazon.co.uk: Paraskos, Michael: 9781999368081: Books
Home Page
Short Courses 2025
Have a questison or tip for the fitting room, want us to discuss a particular topic, then send your nice questions and comments to 'The Stone Carving and Lettering Takeaway' - we'd love to hear from you.
info@abraxasacademy.co.uk
We talk to Tim Crawley about his long and interesting career in carving - working on a wide and impressive range of commissions, both in scale and public profile. He talks us through his career progression and
Tim Crawley | Stonecarving, Sculpture and Design
Women in Conservation: a conversation | spab.org.uk
Short Courses 2025
Abraxas Academy
Have a questison or tip for the fitting room, want us to discuss a particular topic, then send your nice questions and comments to 'The Stone Carving and Lettering Takeaway' - we'd love to hear from you.
info@abraxasacademy.co.uk
Richard Kindersley talks to Nina and Charlotte, looking back over his long career, early influences and curiosity of materials and process.
home - Richard Kindersley Studio Have a questison or tip for the fitting room, want us to discuss a particular topic, then send your nice questions and comments to 'The Stone Carving and Lettering Takeaway' - we'd love to hear from you.
info@abraxasacademy.co.uk
www.abraxasacademy.co.uk
Stone carving courses (abraxasacademy.co.uk)
In this episode Nina and Charlotte talk to Rosie Musgrave, a wonderful stone carver based in Bristol. We talk about her career, work and life, how as a women, artistic freedoms and opportunities gave way to family life, and now, later in her career, how she takes each day she carves in her workshop as a gift.
Rosie Musgrave - Stone Carver and Sculptor from Devon UK rosie musgrave (@rosiemusgravesculpture) • Instagram photos and videos
Have a questison or tip for the fitting room, want us to discuss a particular topic, then send your nice questions and comments to 'The Stone Carving and Lettering Takeaway' - we'd love to hear from you.
info@abraxasacademy.co.uk
www.abraxasacademy.co.uk
Stone carving courses (abraxasacademy.co.uk)
In this Episode Charlotte and Nina Talk with Tom Kemp - hearing about his use of the broad edge brush to create Trajan Roman letters. Although Tom is now a well known potter, his background was origionally with lettering and calligraphy - and the infulence of this can be seen in his work today.
The alphabet - YouTube
Online courses — Tom Kemp
Tom Kemp (@tom_kemp_) • Instagram photos and videos
Have a questison or tip for the fitting room, want us to discuss a particular topic, then send your nice questions and comments to 'The Stone Carving and Lettering Takeaway' - we'd love to hear from you.
info@abraxasacademy.co.uk
www.abraxasacademy.co.uk
In this episode Nina and Charlotte talk to Michelle de Bruin, brilliant stone carver and artist based in Scotland. Michelle talks us through her career highs and lows, making us laugh and feel at ease along the way. Tune into this conversation and we challenge you not to feel inspired.
Michelle de Bruin - Artist, Stonecarver and Lettercutter based in Scotland
michelle de bruin (@artistorguk) • Instagram photos and videos
Sharp - Sean Hellman
We still have spaces available on our stone and lettercarving courses in September
Stone carving courses (abraxasacademy.co.uk)
Have a questison or tip for the fitting room, want us to discuss a particular topic, then send your nice questions and comments to 'The Stone Carving and Lettering Takeaway' - we'd love to hear from you.
info@abraxasacademy.co.uk
www.abraxasacademy.co.uk
Stone carving courses (abraxasacademy.co.uk)
In this episode Nina and Charlotte talk to Rian Kanduth, expert gilder and conservator. Rian tells us about her background, work experience, and teaching. We delve into the different mediums for gilding, different substrates and different types of gold. We discuss problems that can happen when gilding and how to avoid them. There is a lot of laughter!
https://www.instagram.com/londongildingcompany/
Have a questison or tip for the fitting room, want us to discuss a particular topic, then send your nice questions and comments to 'The Stone Carving and Lettering Takeaway' - we'd love to hear from you.
info@abraxasacademy.co.uk
www.abraxasacademy.co.uk
Stone carving courses (abraxasacademy.co.uk)
🎉 In this episode, Nina and Charlotte dive into the exciting world of Abraxas Academy's Summer School, kicking off this September! If you've ever dreamed of mastering the art of stone carving, this is your chance to turn that dream into reality.
Ready to chisel your way into this unique experience? Find out all the details and secure your spot by clicking the link below:
Stone carving courses (abraxasacademy.co.uk) Got a burning question or a brilliant tip for our fitting room? Want us to explore a specific topic in our next chat? We'd love to hear from you! Send your fantastic questions and comments to 'The Stone Carving and Lettering Takeaway' and join the conversation. Let's make this community rock!
info@abraxasacademy.co.uk
www.abraxasacademy.co.uk
Stone carving courses (abraxasacademy.co.uk)
Woodland Glamping Site | Bradmoor Woods
In this episode Nina and Charlotte talk to Jess Eyre a trained stone mason, and Paul Synan, senior mason from Gloucester Cathedral, who Nina met at Mansion House in London where they all received awards for their work and recognition for the skills they have aquired.
Gloucester Cathedral
Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre: Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth | Heritage Ireland
Digital Repository of Ireland Search Results (dri.ie)
The Rock of Cashel | Heritage Ireland
Cathedrals' Workshop Fellowship – Supporting the development of traditional craft skills for the conservation, maintenance & repair of cathedrals & historic buildings. (cwfcathedrals.co.uk)
Have a questison or tip for the fitting room, want us to discuss a particular topic, then send your nice questions and comments to 'The Stone Carving and Lettering Takeaway'
info@abraxasacademy.co.uk
www.abraxasacademy.co.uk
Stone carving courses (abraxasacademy.co.uk)
In this episode Charlotte and Nina talk to sculptor and mason Tom Waugh who talks openly about his practice in contemporary stone sculpture and his journey from mason to artist.
Sculpture in Stone and Marble (tomwaugh.com)
BBC Radio 4 - This Cultural Life, Frank Auerbach
DIVA - Exhibition at V&A South Kensington · V&A (vam.ac.uk)
Women In Revolt! | Tate Britain
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Stone carving courses (abraxasacademy.co.uk)
We celebrate our first 12 months of the podcast with a rundown of our top tips, a few old and a few new to add to your carving repertoire.
Top tips links below
Welcome to Letter Exchange
Hand made carvings, letter press & personalised gifts. — The Lettering Arts Trust
Kirsten Buick on Edmonia Lewis - The Great Women Artists | Podcast on Spotify
Listen — The Sculptor's Funeral (thesculptorsfuneral.com)
How to make a pencil extender (youtube.com)
Have a questison or tip for the fitting room, want us to discuss a particular topic, then send your nice questions and comments to 'The Stone Carving and Lettering Takeaway'
info@abraxasacademy.co.uk
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Stone carving courses (abraxasacademy.co.uk)
Part 2 of our interview with Peter Randall-Page RA - - We reccomend listening to part 1 of this interview before you listen to part 2
Peter has an international reputation for his sculpture, drawings and prints. His work is held in numerous collections throughout the world.
He very generously agreed to be on our podcast and we are delighted to share our interview we recorded with him. We continue this conversation with him in part 2.
He shares his insights and knowledge about stone, art and life, and the connections between them all in this fascinating conversation.
Links below are where you can see examples of Peter's work
Peter Randall-Page - artist, sculptor and Royal
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2oBRH5RIkUAdAcHJdJuhSY
https://www.churchillfellowship.org/
Have a questison or tip for the fitting room, want us to discuss a particular topic, then send your nice questions and comments to 'The Stone Carving and Lettering Takeaway'
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Stone carving courses (abraxasacademy.co.uk)
Peter Randall Page RA has an international reputation for his sculpture, drawings and prints. His work is held in numerous collections throughout the world.
He very generously agreed to be on our podcast and we are delighted to share our interview we recorded with him.
He shares his insights and knowledge about stone, art and life, and the connections between them all in this fascinating conversation.
Links below are where you can see examples of Peter's work
Peter Randall-Page - artist, sculptor and Royal
'The One and The Many' by Peter Randall-Page | Fitzroy Place
Welcome to Letter Exchange
Have a questison or tip for the fitting room, want us to discuss a particular topic, then send your nice questions and comments to 'The Stone Carving and Lettering Takeaway'
info@abraxasacademy.co.uk
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Stone carving courses (abraxasacademy.co.uk)
Heather Newton is the Fabric Projects Manager at Canterbury Cathedral. We talk to her about her career progression, her work and the training scheme she helped to develop.
With colleagues from other cathedrals she became a founder member of the Cathedrals’ Workshop Fellowship, (CWF), a collaboration between ten of England’s cathedrals to deliver enhanced training for crafts and trades-people working in cathedrals and the wider historic buildings sector. Heather wrote and have led the conservation module of the course and is a member of the management and delivery group (see The CWF Foundation Degree in Applied Historic Building Conservation and Repair.
Cathedrals' Workshop Fellowship – Supporting the development of traditional craft skills for the conservation, maintenance & repair of cathedrals & historic buildings. (cwfcathedrals.co.uk)
Have a questison or tip for the fitting room, want us to discuss a particular topic, then send your nice questions and comments to 'The Stone Carving and Lettering Takeaway'
info@abraxasacademy.co.uk
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Stone carving courses (abraxasacademy.co.uk)
In this episode Nina and Charlotte talk to the amazing Annet Stirling, discussing her work with Incisive Letterwork, Ian Hamilton Finley and other insights after a long career working with letters and stone.
Cut - A fantasitc short film
Watch this | Incisive Letterwork
Designers and letter carvers | Incisive Letterwork
Fontself - The Easiest Font Maker For All Creatives
Have a questison or tip for the fitting room, want us to discuss a particular topic, then send your nice questions and comments to 'The Stone Carving and Lettering Takeaway'
info@abraxasacademy.co.uk
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Stone carving courses (abraxasacademy.co.uk)
In this episode Nina and Charlotte discuss the joys of working onsite and the correct way to place an order for stone from a quarry or stone supplier as well as offering up a Top Tip to help you in the workshop.
Have a questison or tip for the fitting room, want us to discuss a particular topic, then send your nice questions and comments to 'The Stone Carving and Lettering Takeaway'
info@abraxasacademy.co.uk
www.abraxasacademy.co.uk
Stone carving courses (abraxasacademy.co.uk)
Southern Stone – Southern Stone and Tools (southern-stone.co.uk)
Natural Stone Supplier (amarestone.com)
Portland stone | Homepage | Albion Stone
In this episode Nina and Charlotte talk about what happens when you make a mistake carving your stone, be it spelling or taking away to much stone, and ways of dealing with this.
Have a questison or tip for the fitting room, want us to discuss a particular topic, then send your nice questions and comments to 'The Stone Carving and Lettering Takeaway'
info@abraxasacademy.co.uk
www.abraxasacademy.co.uk
In this episode we talk to the wonderful Alan Micklethwaite, authur of 'Restoration Stone Carving', stone carver, conservator, sculptor and fabulous interviewee.
https://instagram.com/micklethwaitestudios
https://instagram.com/alanmicklethwaitesculpture
www.micklethwaitestudios.co.uk Have a questison or tip for the fitting room, want us to discuss a particular topic, then send your nice questions and comments to 'The Stone Carving and Lettering Takeaway'
info@abraxasacademy.co.uk
www.abraxasacademy.co.uk
STONE WILL ANSWER by Beatrice Searle
In this episode we talk to Beatrice about her book 'Stone Will Answer', a beautifully written account of her journey pulling a 40KG stone on a jouney of 100s of miles, travelling by boat from Orkney and walking over 500 miles through Southern Norway to Nidaros Cathedral.
Beatrice is a stone mason, artist, lettercarver and author.
https://instagram.com/beatrice.searle?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Have a questison or tip for the fitting room, want us to discuss a particular topic, then send your nice questions and comments to 'The Stone Carving and Lettering Takeaway'
info@abraxasacademy.co.uk
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In this episode Charlotte and Nina discuss carving angels, visiting the Donatello exhibition in London, fixing memorials on site as well as tips and tricks in the fitting room to help with your carvings.
Chatting to Catherine Samy, chair of the Lettering Arts Trust and Sue Apergis letter and stone carver.
In the fitting room we discuss the boob in the B
Nina and Charlotte talk about tool literacy, recommend a set of carving tools for beginners and offer a few tips and tricks in the fitting room
Our very first podcast - We talk to Nina about her commission to carve statues of the Queen and Prince Philip for Canterbury Cathedral and learn about the emotional highs and lows of taking on a high profile job. We have our first question for the Fitting Room where we offer help and advice to anyone