Stonemasons are responsible for some of the most ancient and awe-inspiring structures in our world. Think of the Egyptian pyramids, the Greek Parthenon, and medieval English castles. In today's world, stonemasons erect buildings out of stone and create architectural features such as stonewalls and monuments. Some stonemasons make a living out of repairing historical buildings and other types of ancient stonework.
There are two main types of stonemasons - banker masons and fixer masons. Banker masons are workshop based, and they are responsible for carving and finishing stone into shapes and textures specified by the building design. Fixer masons work on-site, and they may construct retaining walls, fix stones onto buildings, or repair damaged stonework. There are many other types of stonemasons, such as carvers who use their artistic ability to create unique stone sculptures or complex design elements on buildings.
Stonemason tools
The tools a stonemason may use are hardwearing, robust and heavy such as excavators, chisels, bolsters, split wedges, mallets, chippers, scutch hammers, grinders and diamond saws. A stonemason may work with any kind of stone, the most common being; sandstone, bluestone, granite & slate.
You can be a Stonemason
If you're interested in becoming a stonemason, you first need to get experience in the construction or landscaping trades. When you're on a job, ask your employer if you can be trained in stonemasonry. If you're unable to get on-site training, look around for a stonemason apprenticeship you could also take a college course on stonemasonry or sandstone sculpture.
More Stonemason resources
These stone carving and stone masonary links may interest you: Stone Sculpture Artists, Sculpture Galleries, Sydney Sandstone.
