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York Minster the Host of Annual Cathedrals' Stonemasonry Apprentice Symposium
Published: on 11th September 2009 by Kendal Chalk in Minster News
This year, from Monday 7th until Friday 11th September, York Minster was the host for the annual Cathedrals’ Stonemasonry Apprentice Symposium, which saw apprentices from eight cathedrals across the country come together for a week of training in order to enhance their skills and knowledge essential to the understanding of the craft.
During the week the apprentices attended lectures on a wide range of subjects relative to the craft, such as archaeology, architectural history, structural engineering and project management.
Also during the week apprentices worked on a masonry project and had some tuition in stone carving. This year the masonry project involved shaping stones which when completed formed a base and column for a garden feature such as a birdbath or sundial. The design incorporates features found amongst Romanesque remains in the crypt of the Minster, such as helicoidal (spiral) moulding. One of our team of masons, John Sutcliffe, has produced a detailed design from his and other colleagues’ ideas. They worked on the masonry project in the Lady Chapel of York Minster, so visitors were able to see their work in progress.
Master Mason John David said, 'This initiative was originally inspired collectively with colleagues from other cathedral workshops to make up for deficiencies we felt were apparent in recent training programmes. The support of our respective Cathedral Chapters has enabled us to embark on a more comprehensive and fulfilling apprenticeship training programme, to ensure that in the future we have the finest craftsmen and women who will continue to care for our national treasures. This symposium, the fourth so far, is just part of that programme.’
To view photos of the masonry project which took place in the Lady Chapel please visit : http://www.flickr.com/photos/yorkminster/sets/72157622338482642/
The York Minster Stoneyard is one of the largest in the country, and a centre of excellence for many traditional crafts including masonry, carving and carpentry. A rare opportunity has arisen to train as apprentice on a four year contract, working with and learning from some of the most skilled craftsmen in the country.
The contract includes a programme of part-time study at York College. We are looking for a reliable, enthusiastic apprentice with a passion for developing masonry skills and contributing to the work of one of the great cathedrals of the world.
Please refer to the job description and person specification on the website www.yorkminster.org before sending your CV and covering letter to jobs@yorkminster.org or the HR Manager, Church House, Ogleforth, York YO1 7JN. Closing date for applications is: 18th September 2009