Experiments in Sculpture

Develop sculptural ideas and experiment with form in this long-standing course, initially through drawing and model making, before finalising and finishing a unique piece.

This is a course for anyone new to sculpture, and those with an experience in the subject looking to further their practice.

This ten-week course, led by Leicester artist Austin Orwin, will allow you to explore the development of ideas into three dimensional form. You will experiment with form through drawing, maquette making, analysis and discussion, and will be guided through the sculptural process from materials and techniques to idea development and the realisation of your ideas into a final piece.

After initial exploration of form through research and drawings you will create a series of small models to help turn your ideas into three-dimensional form.

The objectives of this course are to learn a range of sculptural techniques from initial conception of an idea to the finished sculpture. You will be encouraged to develop an ambitious approach to object making, and will be guided through the use of a range of materials.

Those with experience will be given the opportunity to develop their own practice within a very creative, supportive environment. Supported by the tutor, experienced students will be encouraged to push the boundaries of their work.

Sculptor and experienced tutor Austin Orwin has been teaching sculptural techniques at the Attenborough Arts Centre for 20 years. He’s passionate about sculpture and how we interpret and respond to visual form. Alongside his teaching Austin runs his own sculpture practise, using everything from clay modelling techniques to stone carving to realise his sculptural designs.

All materials are included in the course fee.

Participants must be aged 16+. Under 18s must be accompanied by a paying adult at all times. There may be visual reference to nudes in art and/or sculptural work featuring the nude human form as part of the course.

This course runs on Monday evenings 6:30pm – 9pm, for 8 weeks, starting on Monday 12 May 2025, or on Thursday evenings 6:30pm – 9pm, for 10 weeks, starting on Thursday 8 May 2025. Please ensure you book the correct day/time you require.

Please note: no session on Monday 26 May.

Please ensure that you agree to our updated Terms & Conditions before booking as courses/workshops are non-refundable in some circumstances.

We aim to make all our sessions as accessible as possible and carers/PAs are very welcome – just remember to book their free place when you book your session. If you'd like to talk to us in advance of booking or attending your sessions to discuss your access needs, our Box Office team is here to help! Email arts-centre@le.ac.uk, pop in or call 0116 252 2455, open 7 days a week.

We have four blue badge parking spaces outside Attenborough Arts Centre, plus double yellow line roadside parking very close to the building for blue badge holders for up to three hours if our parking spaces are occupied.

Free parking for all customers is available after 5pm on weekdays and all day at weekends in the University of Leicester car park next door to Attenborough Arts Centre on Lancaster Road. The closest public car park for parking at all other times is Victoria Park, 5-10 minutes walk from us (near De Montfort Hall).