Stone carving
The carving of figures, patterns and ornaments etc. in stone. See the separate entry for stonemasonry.
| Status | Currently viable |
| Craft category | Stone; Building crafts |
| Historic area of significance | UK |
| Area currently practised | UK |
| Origin in the UK | Roman |
| Current no. of professionals (main craft) | 101-200 |
| Current no. of professionals (sideline to main craft) |
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| Current no. of trainees | 11-20 annually |
| Current total no. serious amateur makers |
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| Current total no. of leisure makers |
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| Minimum no. of craftspeople required | 1-5 |
History
The stone carver carves figures and architectural ornaments etc. largely by sight of eye, but also with the help of square, compass and template where there is a crossover of masonry and ornamental elements, for example in capitals or decorated mouldings.
Techniques
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Stone carving
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Moulding
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Casting
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Clay sculpting
- Pointing (traditional way of transferring from maquette to final product)
- Design
Local forms
Sub-crafts
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Lapidary
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Stone restoration
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Portrait carving
Issues affecting the viability of the craft
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Training issues: While there are numerous qualifications in stonemasonry, there is only one qualification specifically for stone carving. The City and Guilds in London offers two-year Certificate courses, and three-year Diploma Courses in Historic Stonecarving, accredited by the City and Guilds Institute. Some art schools have sculpture departments but they do not offer technical instruction in the skills of stonecarving.
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Market issues: Lack of demand. There are enough people to satisfy the current market – the market dictates the number of people involved so the employment figures are always fluctuating.
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Market issues: Lack of support by architects.
Support organisations
Craftspeople currently known
The Master Carvers Association have a list of members on their website.
Other information
References
