Originally the core of the Group were students of the sculptor, the late John Tonks. On his retirement the Group continued to meet and enrolled at Dudley College in 1999 and completed a series of courses on  fine arts and sculpture (to Level 4). That brought the Shapeshifters into contact with Andy Perks and the stone-carving tutor, John Vaughan.

We still retain our link with the College from whom we individually hire studio facilities through an annual payment to the College. This enables us to use the College facilities every day but we all tend to gather on a Thursday as the payment includes teaching on that day from John Vaughan.

Independently, we hire the College on the third Saturday of each month for an all day session for those unable to attend during a week-day. John also attends these sessions.

Every week on a Tuesday we hire facilities adjacent to Winterbourne Gardens, University of Birmingham (see website….). We have access to the gardens which many of us find an inspiration for our work.

Most members work in stone with a few members working occasionally in wood.  Our members have a wide range of skills but a common thread is the enjoyment of making things.

We are fortunate to have access to a stock of stone at Dudley sourced from quarries (Ancaster and Hoptonwood) as well as stone from demolitions, largely Portland limestone. Members can buy stone at preferential rates.

We run Taster Sessions for beginners occasionally - the latest being in April and will post on our website forthcoming events.  But if you are interested in trying stone-carving email us at info@shapeshifters.org.uk