Gloucester Cathedral Awarded £40,000 To Train Next Generation of Stonemasons
The Cathedral has been awarded generous grants from Allchurches Trust (£25,000) and the Garfield Weston Foundation (£15,000) to continue its stonemason training programme for talented craftspeople.
Boasting an international reputation as one of the finest Conservation Stonemasonry workshops in Europe, over 50 stonemasons have been trained at Gloucester Cathedral by Master Mason, Pascal Mychalysin and his team over the past 30 years.
The funding awarded will support the newest trainee, Martin Gwilliams during his two-year training programme through the Cathedral’s Workshop Fellowship (CWF). Martin’s training will culminate in a Foundation Degree in Applied Historic Building Conservation and Repair awarded by University of Gloucestershire.
Martin now has an extraordinary opportunity to learn his craft whilst supporting the rest of our talented team to ensure the Cathedral remains in the best possible condition for future generations.
Martin Gwilliams, Trainee Stonemason said:
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to work with Pascal and his team at a on one of the most beautiful medieval buildings in Europe. I can’t wait to get started!”
When asked about the impact of trainees on the Cathedral, Master Mason Pascal said:
“Training the next generation of stonemasons is part of the Cathedral’s heritage and something which is very close to my heart. The energy and enthusiasm trainees bring to the team is infectious and I am looking forward to supporting Martin as he perfects his trade at Gloucester over the next two years.”
Paul Playford, Grants Officer at Allchurches Trust, said:
“Our new heritage grant programme invests in future generations so that all can continue to enjoy our great past; with traditional skills being handed down. We’re delighted to have been able to fund Martin to grow his own stonemasonry expertise and experience with the exceptionally talented team at Gloucester Cathedral.”
Explore Gloucestershire
5 November 2019
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