Wells Cathedral Stonemasons

WELLS CATHEDRAL STONEMASONS HOSTS TEACH-IN FOR SOMERSET BUILDING PRESERVATION TRUST

Twelve members of the Somerset Building Preservation Trust have spent a half-day learning about the conservation and restoration of stone.

Members of the Trust, which saves and restores historic buildings in the county, attended a seminar specially arranged for them at the Cheddar base of Wells Cathedral Stonemasons.

Simon Armstrong, a Director of Wells Cathedral Stonemasons, gave a presentation on the issues and techniques involved in restoring old stonework, before giving the Trust members a tour of the company‘s Cheddar workshops, housed in the former railway station designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

“We were able to show Trust members how the latest computerised machines can produce precision results for cutting and shaping large pieces of stone, alongside the intricate hand-carving and finishing undertaken by our team of qualified masons”, said Mr Armstrong.

“Just as the Trust is committed to preserving Somerset‘s historic buildings, we are committed to preserving the stonemasons‘ ancient skills, which is why we are nationally recognised as a national leader in providing full apprenticeships”, he added.

Wells Cathedral Stonemasons is equally involved in helping to train other professions, including architects and surveyors, on stone building, conservation, and preservation. The presentation to Somerset Building Preservation Trust formed part of a programme of seminars run by Mr Armstrong throughout the country as a recognised provider of CPD (continuous professional development) training for the RIBA members.

ENDS 10th October 2007

For further information please contact Violet Ridge, Sturgess Van Damme, on 01275 349011 or email violet@sturgessvandamme.co.uk