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Step into the spirit of spring and immerse yourself in a rare, hands-on exploration of one of the most intriguing figures in medieval art — the Green Man.This five-day workshop combines sacred geometry, symbolism and practical stone carving. Guided by two highly respected practitioners, you will explore the ideas behind the Green Man before carving your own foliate face in limestone to take home.
No previous stone carving experience is required.
What You'll Experience
Days 1–2: Sacred Geometry & Symbolism
With geometer-artist Tom Bree, you will:
Explore the history and mystery of the Green Man in medieval churches
Examine differing interpretations — pagan echo or Christian symbolism?
Learn sacred geometry drawing techniques using traditional tools
Discover how medieval artists embedded cosmic and symbolic meaning in stone
Illustrated talks and guided drawing sessions will deepen your understanding of how geometry shaped medieval art and architecture.
Days 3–5: Carving the Green Man
Under the expert tuition of stone mason Nick Durnan, you will:
Learn essential stone carving techniques
Work directly in limestone using professional tools
Carve a Green Man face and foliage
Develop confidence in shaping, modelling and finishing stone
Numerous historical examples, models and reference images will be available for inspiration. By the end of the week, you will have created your own carved Green Man to take home.
All stone and tools are provided.
About the Tutors
Tom Bree
Geometer-Artist, teacher and author of The Cosmos in Stone. Tom teaches practical geometry and its philosophical foundations at the King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts and internationally. His work explores the symbolic and architectural language of medieval sacred spaces, including the quadrivial design of Wells Cathedral.
Nick Durnan
Stone mason, carver and artist with extensive cathedral experience, including work at Wells Cathedral and Exeter Cathedral — both renowned for their medieval Green Man carvings. Nick regularly teaches stone and alabaster carving at Abbey House in Glastonbury.
Why Join This Course?
A unique combination of theory and practice
Learn from two leading specialists in their fields
Create a lasting piece of carved stone
Explore medieval symbolism at a site rich in history
Suitable for beginners and experienced makers alike
At £550 for five full days of expert tuition, materials and hands-on carving, this is an exceptional opportunity to deepen your understanding of medieval art while developing a new practical skill.
Places are limited to ensure individual guidance.
Attending Workshops at Abbey House
Please be aware that Abbey House is not open to the general public and only ticket holders may attend. Parking is limited but there are town car parks nearby if there are no spaces. No pets are permitted at Abbey House.
Event & workshop tickets are non-refundable.
This workshop is non-residential and starts at 9.30am each day.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Abbey House, Chilkwell St,Glastonbury, Somerset, United Kingdom
Tickets
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