The Connoisseur’s Classical Carving
Join our exclusive five-day intensive workshop focused on mastering 17th and 18th-century classical carving techniques. Perfect for design professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of harmonic proportions and classical aesthetics through both theory and hands-on practice.
This five-day workshop focuses on the theoretical underpinnings and practical execution of 17th and 18th-century classical design, aligning with the philosophical depth of the Court Master tradition. It is designed for architectural and design professionals, interior designers, and patrons seeking to understand the aesthetic principles behind enduring classical work.
Mastering the 17th and 18th-Century Classical Tradition
Stephen, is a Guild Master, Master Stonemason, and a leading authority on the sculpture and architectural stone carving of the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly within English Palladianism, Baroque, and Neoclassicism.
Stephen is recognized as one of the few craftspeople worldwide who maintains and practices the techniques and harmonic visual proportions contemporary to these periods, linking his work to the explosion of Baroque music.
He has contributed his expertise to major and
-century restorations across Europe:
- Palladian/Neoclassical: Work on structures like Somerset House (William Chambers), St. Martin’s in The Fields (James Gibbs), The Queen’s House (Inigo Jones), and Woburn Abbey (Henry Flitcroft/William Chambers).
- Baroque: Restoration on City of London churches designed by Sir Christopher Wren (St. Edmund, King and Martyr; St. Peter upon Cornhill) and works by Nicholas Hawksmoor (St. Mary Woolnoth; St. Luke’s Church). He also worked on the
-century Les Invalides Complex in Paris.
Beyond his conservation work, Stephen is a dedicated advocate for craft preservation.
Workshop Overview
Day 1: The Design Grammar and Foundation
The workshop begins with a lecture on The Design Grammar, introducing Harmonic Proportion and the Golden Ratio (Φ). Participants learn why specific ratios were used in 17th and 18th-century designs to evoke universal balance, linking the proportions to musical theory. The practical session focuses on Drafting and Layout, teaching participants to use proportional tools and geometric rules to design a classical moulding or architectural segment with perfect ratios.
Day 2: Form, Flow, and Philosophical Tenets
Day two explores the philosophical tenets of the craft, specifically Arete (the pursuit of excellence) and Eudaimonia (human flourishing) as goals for the craftsperson. The concept of visual continuity through Gestalt Laws is introduced, showing how to achieve seamless flow in stone. The practical work focuses on Preparation and Roughing Out: participants are introduced to the tools, safety protocols, and begin basic bench work to prepare their stone block and rough out the design elements based on the proportional layout from Day 1.
Day 3: Style, Material, and Mastery
The mid-point of the course features a style study, offering a deep dive into the City of London Baroque and the use of symmetry, scale, and drama in architectural features like console brackets or pediments. The practical session is dedicated to the Refinement of Form, where participants focus on carving the primary lines and curves of their classical element, striving to achieve true proportions and crisp edges in the style of the masters.
Day 4: Soul in the Stone and Detailing
Day four covers the spiritual and traditional concepts that elevate the craft. The meaning of Baraka (spiritual energy or divine grace) is explored, discussing how intention and reverence are woven into the materials, linking back to the Court Master ideology. The practical focus shifts to Detailing and Finish: executing the final cuts, undercutting for dramatic effect, and applying different finishes to enhance the visual weight and light reflection of the piece.
Day 5: Lineage, Synthesis, and Conclusion
The final day synthesizes the week’s learning. A lecture reviews the connection between Baroque Music and Architecture through the shared use of harmonic intervals, and discusses “The Song” as a metaphor for the lineage of craft knowledge. The practical session involves the Final Critique and Presentation of the completed carved piece. The workshop concludes with a group discussion on how to apply these deeply rooted classical design principles to contemporary architectural and design commissions.
The Elixir VIP: Private Studio Experience
The Private Studio Experience is the pinnacle of the Master’s teaching and craft, offered on an exclusive, private one-to-one or one-to-two basis. It is a seven-day, fully bespoke engagement priced at £10,000 or more, depending on location and project scope.
Core Experience and Focus
This private masterclass transcends standard instruction by integrating the client’s goals directly into the philosophical and practical curriculum.
- Custom Commission: The seven-day intensive is typically centered around a high-value, custom commission—such as a personal crest, a specialized architectural element, or a piece of philosophical sculpture—which the client either works on personally or observes the Master executing while receiving highly focused, private instruction.
- Philosophical Integration: The experience is a direct application of the Master’s unique Intellectual Property (IP), leveraging principles like Arete (excellence) and Eudaimonia (human flourishing) to deliver a transformative experience that applies to both stone carving and professional life.
- Mindful Refuge: It provides a Mindful Refuge from the demands of the modern world, fostering absolute presence and stripping away non-essential distractions through the rigorous, tactile demands of the craft.
- Exclusivity & Discretion: All participants are required to sign Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) to reinforce the exclusivity of the content and protect the unique lineage and unreleased intellectual property shared by the Master.
Logistics and High-End Service
The Private Studio Experience is often held at a custom international location, with all logistics managed by a network of specialized “Local Fixers” to ensure a flawless luxury experience. The fee covers all materials, bespoke tools, and dedicated, non-stop access to the Master’s expertise for the full seven-day duration. The experience is designed to leave the client with profound, lasting clarity and a direct connection to an unbroken lineage of craft.