Hands on Traditional skills and where to learn them

Stone carving and conservation

What is it?Carving stone is a key part of sculpting stone; cutting letters out of stone, for headstones or other commemorative pieces, is a traditional skill that is still practised. The conservation of stone involves the repair or replacement of damaged stone on older buildings and the use of lime mortar to repair old walls.

How is it done?Traditionally, stone is carved with a mallet and chisel, says Philip Quinn, who carves old styles of lettering for commemorative pieces or when restoring lettering on headstones. Restoration stone carving is when pieces of stone are grafted on to older stone that has been chipped or damaged. The conservationist approach to caring for old stone buildings avoids replacement of stone where possible and always recommends the use of lime mortar if repointing is required. Rusted ties or cramps used in the construction of stone walls may also need to be replaced with stainless-steel or phosphor-bronze fixings.

How long does it take?It takes about 15 minutes to carve each letter on a stone, according to Quinn, who teaches the skill in community settings and from his studio in Holycross, near Thurles in Co Tipperary. The time required to repair damaged stone in old buildings depends entirely on the extent of damage and whether repointing and new ties and cramps are required.

Where do I sign up?Quinn runs community workshops in stone carving. He will demonstrate letter cutting and offer people a chance to try it out at the Irish Georgian Society's Traditional Building and Conservation Skills in Action exhibition (01-6767053, igs.ie) at Farmleigh, in Phoenix Park in Dublin, on August 13th and 14th.

Pat McAfee will talk about a stonemason’s perspective on the care and conservation of masonry structures on August 13th at 11am. Edward Byrne of the Traditional Lime Company will talk about making and using lime the same day at 1pm. Una Ni Mhearain, a conservation architect, will talk about the importance of using lime in historic buildings at 3pm. Dermot Collier, a heritage contractor, will talk about the repair and conservation of brick and stone the next day at noon. Admission is free to all events at the exhibition.

Building Limes Forum Ireland will host talks on the building of arches using lime mortars since Roman times on August 22nd, 23rd and 24th at 11am at Drimnagh Castle, on Longmile Road, Dublin 12 (01-4502530, buildinglimesforumireland.com).

You can find stonemasons and stone carvers who follow conservation methods on the Irish Georgian Society’s register of traditional building skills; igs.ie.