Stone Masonry Masterclass
Non-Residential Tuesday 14th - Thursday 16th July 2026
Available spaces
Embark on an unforgettable three-day stone carving masterclass at the tranquil Cober Hill, nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire’s stunning countryside. Guided by Alex Macey, a seasoned stone mason with over 20 years of experience in heritage restoration and intricate carving, this residential offers a deep dive into the ancient craft of stone carving. Whether you’re drawn to the tactile beauty of stone or eager to master traditional masonry techniques, this retreat will leave you with new skills, a unique masterpiece and lasting inspiration. Perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike, the programme features three structured days, each focusing on a unique aspect of stone carving. Seasoned carvers are also welcome to use this residential to work on a specific project of their choosing. During the week Alex will cover the following with structured demonstrations and a chance for you to practice these new skills, including: Stone Selection - Learn the essentials of stone selection, tool handling and basic carving techniques. 2D Relief Carving - Transforming a limestone block into a personalised design of your choice. Alex will guide you through selecting and transferring an image onto stone, using traditional tools like chisels and mallets to carve texture and depth. Letter Carving - Discover the precision and creativity of inscribing stone with elegant, enduring text, inspired by Alex’s work on replacement plaques and memorials. You’ll learn to design and carve lettering, focusing on proportion, spacing and traditional techniques to achieve clean, professional results. Sculptural Carving - Focusing on low-relief sculptural forms, you’ll carve a nature-inspired design such as foliage or a mythical figure into stone, learning to add depth and texture to bring your piece to life. The week includes all materials, limestone, tools and safety equipment and you will leave with completed carvings to take home with you. The workshop runs from 10am to 4pm Tuesday - Thursday. Please arrive at Cober Hill between 9:30am and 9:45am for refreshments before heading to the studio for a prompt 10am start. Complimentary refreshments will be available throughout the day. A free single-course buffet lunch is provided at 12:30pm in the restaurant as part of the workshop. Dessert options are available for purchase at an additional cost.
Cancellation Policy
Booking & Cancellation Policy Payment Options You can pay in full at the time of booking via card, Google Pay, Apple Pay or PayPal, or choose to pay a 25% deposit and pay the remaining balance 45 days before the event. Cash payment can be made in person at the school, shop or venue. Deposits A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place on Workshops, Courses and Residentials. This deposit is non-refundable in all circumstances. Balance Due If you pay by deposit, the remaining 75% balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the start date. We will send you a reminder email with a payment link. Cancellation Policy Residential Stays at Cober Hill More than 12 weeks before arrival: Full refund minus £50 admin fee per person. 6–12 weeks before: 75% refund. 4–6 weeks before: 50% refund. Less than 4 weeks before: No refund. We strongly recommend you take out travel/holiday insurance for residential stays.