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Live Stone Carving Competition Wren300 Conservation-in-Action Series


  • Holy Sepulchre London Holborn Viaduct London, EC1A 2FD United Kingdom (map)

With: Building Crafts College, City and Guilds London Art School, Worshipful Company of Masons, Master Carvers’ Association

Experience live stone carving by stonemasonry apprentices and students, have-a-go at lettering and carving in stone, learn about a career in stone masonry and how to start your training.

Visit Holy Sepulchre Church to see stone carvers work to carve Wren-inspired designs into the 11 stones of a simple stone arch over three days. On the final day, Friday 2nd June, the completed stones will be assembled into a simple stone arch, and a prize awarded to the winning carving.

Over the three days, visitors will be able to view the carving in action, speak to the young carvers and try their hands at carving and lettering in stone, assisted by experienced stone masons.

The Natural Stone Industry Training Group (NSITG), the Worshipful Company of Masons Livery Company and representatives from Stone Masonry colleges and The Creative Dimension will be present to share information about their organisations and how they support training for the stone industry.

Representatives from Stone Industry member companies – Cliveden Conservation Workshop and Chichester Stoneworks will be on hand to speak to members of the public about a career in stone masonry and heritage restoration.

There will be a lunchtime talk on Thursday 1st June at 1pm by Alanah Honey from Caroe Architecture speaking on her experience with stone and carving as architect at Ripon and St Paul’s Cathedral.

Completed pieces will be auctioned at a future date.

This is a free event, open to all  but pre-booking is required

Dates and Timings:

DAY 1 Wednesday 31 May:

10am – 5pm | Carving Competition & ‘have a go’ lettering and carving

Reserve your FREE place

DAY 2 Thursday 1 June:

10am – 5pm | Carving Competition & ‘have a go’ lettering and carving

1pm | Lunchtime talk by Alanah Honey, Caroe Architecture

Reserve your FREE place

DAY 3 Friday 2 June:

10am – Midday | Carving Competition 

Midday – 1pm | Judging of carvings by Penny Bendall from The Creative Dimension and Simon Smith, President of the Master Carvers Association

1pm – 3pm | Professional carvers, Tom Francis and Jim Patrick, discuss their careers in stone and wood carving

3pm | Building of the stone arch

4pm | Awarding prize to the winner of the Carving Competition

Reserve your FREE place