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Journeyman departs
Published: on 25th January 2008 by Alix Peacock in Minster News
Mark Langer, a 26 year old German Journeyman who has worked in York Minster’s Stoneyard since October 2007 is now moving on to find his next placement. In recognition of the work which Mark has completed at York Minster and as a memento of his time in the Stoneyard, he has been presented with Sarah Brown’s book “ York Minster: An Architectural History c.1220-1500”.
Mark represents the German tradition of furthering his craft-skills training. The tradition of becoming a “journeyman” in Germany dates back to the medieval period when stonemasons, after completing their apprenticeship would have to leave their hometown with only their work clothes and their tools. They had to make a living while travelling throughout Europe by using only the skills they learned during their apprenticeship.
Mark arrived at the Minster in October 2007 in the traditional dress of a Journeyman – including shirt, waistcoat and bowler hat. As a journeyman, he is required to wear this traditional attire while he works. He has worked alongside York Minster’s Masons in the workshop, practising his trade and enhancing his training. Mark has crafted stones which will be in place on the Minster’s East Front for many hundreds of years to come. He will now move on from the Minster to find his next placement.