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generation in the traditional manner of the past. Medieval mason training traditionally

involved a 7-year apprenticeship. The modern apprenticeship lasts 4 years. One became
specialised in all aspects of the craft. There would be the Quarrymen at the coal face,

Sawyers who reduced the blocks to workable slabs and Banker Masons who are workshop-
based. Further up the line would be Carvers who cross the line from craft to art, and finally

one had the Fixer Masons on site. (Figs. 1.36 – 1.40.)

Quoting again from Delbridge, “The tradesman becomes a craftsman as he displays

intelligent interest in the possibilities of the material and his technique: the craftsman
becomes an artist in direct proportion as he invokes beauty from the material at his

command'.

I quote from the delightfully titled book published in 1997, Stonework Techniques and

Projects. Entryways Bridges Seats Steps Walls Waterfalls. By Charles McRaven, a practising
stonemason.

“Why stone. Well why not? For building or landscaping you simply can’t do better. Stone is

weatherproof, rat proof, insect proof and long lived. Whether you use it in rustic or formal

designs it signifies good taste; a stone entryway, curving wall, arch or path is quietly elegant
and looks expensive.

In this age of throwaways, stone is also psychologically appealing; it represents strength,
stability and permanence. [these are fundamental qualities of architecture having to be re-

taught by a mason] It provides a sense of shelter and security and blessed simplicity when we

are tired of flimsiness and confusion”.

He goes on, “Of course it’s easier to work in concrete or acrylic coated Styrofoam shapes.
Wood plastic glass steel, even brick are easier to deal with than stones. You can injure your

back if you don't handle them right. You can get chips in your eye, crush your foot, squash

your finger, skin your shins and experience incredible frustration when the stubborn things
don’t fit. But once stone is in place, it just belongs'.

So then, one first chooses a stone. Employing plugs and feathers the stone is split. Roughing

out follows to achieve the basic shape, and then the fine chisel work follows using flat and
claw chisels with a mallet. The piece is then rubbed and polished to achieve its final form