Presentation: Lettercarving in Stone

Saturday, 7/26/2025
2:00 - 4:00
Latino/Hispanic Meeting Room A
Latino/Hispanic Meeting Room B
Main Library

100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
United States

415-557-4400

Lettercarver Christopher Stinehour demonstrates his learned method of carving a letter into a piece of stone, showing the process that has been part of a long tradition since the Romans carved the great Imperial caps of the Trajan inscription: staring with a drawn letter on a piece of paper, transferring the layout to a piece of stone, then carving, with hammer and chisel, said letter into that hard slab.

Christopher Stinehour, a longtime member of Friends of Calligraphy, works as a letter cutter in Berkeley. He started carving letters in wood during his high school days. He participated in a Friends of Calligraphy sponsored letter carving workshop lead by English carver (and Gill apprentice) David Kindersley in 1976 and then studied with John Benson in Newport RI in the 1980s. His work has included many architectural commissions, gravestones and plaques: working in his shop and also in situ at various job sites.  

Connect: Christopher Stinehour - Instagram

This program is part of KALLIGRAPHIA 2025, the triennial exhibition by Friends of Calligraphy, in association with Book Arts & Special Collections. This year's exhibition celebrates the 50th anniversary of Friends of Calligraphy.

Image: Christopher Stinehour

Creative Arts

Exercise your power of imagination with programs that encourage hands-on projects for adults. For craft programs, all materials are provided, unless noted.

Typography and Calligraphy

Attend programming, lectures and workshops on the art, design and function of lettering.

Spotlight

This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

Attending Programs

All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

This program will be conducted in English unless otherwise noted.

Notice: This event may be filmed or photographed. By participating in this event, you consent to have your likeness used for the Library’s archival purposes and promotional materials. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform a staff person or the photographer. A sticker will be provided to help identify you so that we can avoid capturing your image.

Public Notice and Disclaimer

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The views and opinions expressed in programs presented by groups unaffiliated with SFPL do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SFPL or the City.