stone carving
lettering
Expect five days filled with mountain air, forest, hands-on letter carving in stone, design on paper, and illustrated lectures related to the design and cutting of letters in stone. Each participant will have the opportunity to learn from the skills of one of the most respected masters of this art in the world. No previous experience necessary, and all tools and materials will be provided.
21–25 July 2026
with John Neilson
Bozhentsi village in Bulgaria
with John Neilson
Bozhentsi village in Bulgaria
John Neilson
United Kingdom · jneilson.co.uk
John Neilson is a lettercarver in stone, and lettering designer. He first trained as a calligrapher at Roehampton, London, then learned lettercarving in stone from Tom Perkins in Cambridgeshire. Since 1992 he has had his own workshop in north-east Wales.
Original lettering design is central to all his work, which ranges from memorials and tablets to more sculptural and architectural pieces using lettering, which is nearly always hand carved. Among his larger commissions is the huge lettering above the entrance to the Queen’s Gallery, Edinburgh. John also undertakes some book design/typography.
A qualified teacher, he has taught lettering workshops and demonstrated in the UK, Norway, Sweden, Belgium, Japan, Lebanon and the USA. He teaches a summer course every year in Wales, and a 4-day module every other year at the City & Guilds of London Art School.
Since 2003 he has been editor of the lettering journal Forum, published by Letter Exchange, of which he has been an elected Member since 1996. He was an advisor on lettering to the Crafts Study Centre in Hampshire for 19 years until 2023. He has published numerous articles and reviews and has participated in over thirty exhibitions in the UK and overseas.
In 2021 his book The Inscriptions of Ralph Beyer was published by Lund Humphries and the Crafts Study Centre.
More about John Neilson
Original lettering design is central to all his work, which ranges from memorials and tablets to more sculptural and architectural pieces using lettering, which is nearly always hand carved. Among his larger commissions is the huge lettering above the entrance to the Queen’s Gallery, Edinburgh. John also undertakes some book design/typography.
A qualified teacher, he has taught lettering workshops and demonstrated in the UK, Norway, Sweden, Belgium, Japan, Lebanon and the USA. He teaches a summer course every year in Wales, and a 4-day module every other year at the City & Guilds of London Art School.
Since 2003 he has been editor of the lettering journal Forum, published by Letter Exchange, of which he has been an elected Member since 1996. He was an advisor on lettering to the Crafts Study Centre in Hampshire for 19 years until 2023. He has published numerous articles and reviews and has participated in over thirty exhibitions in the UK and overseas.
In 2021 his book The Inscriptions of Ralph Beyer was published by Lund Humphries and the Crafts Study Centre.
More about John Neilson
mentor
John Neilson at his studio
Join us for a practical, hands-on workshop where John will guide you through the fundamental art of stone carving. Beyond the basics, we will explore historical and contemporary examples, examining the specific design requirements for working with stone. Under John’s expert mentorship, you will design and carve your own unique inscriptions. All necessary specialist tools—including chisels, ‘dummy’ hammers, and stone—will be provided. While no prior experience is required, the high level of one-to-one tuition makes this course equally valuable and rewarding for experienced carvers or designers.
- What you’ll learn: Stone carving basics, design principles for stone, and historical vs. modern styles.
- What you’ll create: Your own stone-carved design under John’s expert guidance.
- What’s included: All specialist tools (chisels, hammers) and materials.
- Skill level: Open to everyone. Beginners are welcome, while experienced carvers will benefit from personalized, one-to-one tuition.
program
Five days of total dedication
21–25 July 2026 · Offline event in English
The workshop returns to the beautiful architectural reserve of Bozhentsi (near Gabrovo). Its serene environment provides the ideal setting for focused learning. We offer support for international participants. Transportation within the country is usually shared among participants.
Self-arranged accommodation and dining are also welcome. Family and friends are encouraged to join!
Check-in by Monday, July 20; Departure on Sunday, July 26.
- Accommodation: Hosted at Stranopriemnitsa Hotel.
- Cost: ~30 euro/night (includes breakfast).
- Meals: Full menu and pricing to be confirmed.
Self-arranged accommodation and dining are also welcome. Family and friends are encouraged to join!
Check-in by Monday, July 20; Departure on Sunday, July 26.
place
Transport, accomodation and meal
Location of the village of Bozhentsi
One of you will have the chance to join us for free. Follow these six steps to enter the giveaway:
Feel free to enter with as many designs as you like! The winner will be personally selected by John and announced on Typofest’s social channels before June 7th.
This year’s winner is Aleksandra Vutova!
Huge thanks to Aynur Kuş, Boyana, Georgi Gikov, Kostadin Kokalanov, Krassen Krestev, Miroslav Glavchev, Nikolay Nyagolov, Nikolay Petroussenko, Zeynep Rumeysa, Valentina Casali and Yana Dobreva!
- Create a design of the word: Typocamp 2026
- Write us why you want to join the workshop.
- Include a link to our website: typo.bg/typocamp-2026
- Use the hashtags: #stonecarving #letteringworkshop #typocamp #typoclass #typobg
- Make typo.bg a collaborator to your post.
- Post your design on your social media profiles by 23:59 on May 31st.
Feel free to enter with as many designs as you like! The winner will be personally selected by John and announced on Typofest’s social channels before June 7th.
This year’s winner is Aleksandra Vutova!
Huge thanks to Aynur Kuş, Boyana, Georgi Gikov, Kostadin Kokalanov, Krassen Krestev, Miroslav Glavchev, Nikolay Nyagolov, Nikolay Petroussenko, Zeynep Rumeysa, Valentina Casali and Yana Dobreva!
giveaway
Win a free spot at Typocamp 2026!
Before 23:59 cet on May 31st · No restrictions
registration
val
nik
kalo
muk
Iliya
stan
zahi
georgi
alex
milen
krassen
zdrava
katya
chiara
All spots are taken!
Strictly limited to 12 participants to ensure individual attention
All spots are taken! You’re very welcome to drop by on any of the days to visit us and see how the training is going in person!
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If you would like to be a part of our future events, if you have any questions about Typoclass or just want to say hello, contact:
Boril Karaivanov