The minster’s intricate stonework
Members in York explored the masonry restoration work to the at York Minster on a recent site visit that included meeting John David, the master mason.
David explained about the ongoing work to restore the minster’s deteriorating stonework and the processes involved – including the difficult task of replacing sections of the windows, while ensuring all sections match perfectly with the original pieces that are retained.
The visit included a trip around the stonemasons’ workshop, to see the masons at work carving replacement grotesques and statues. The masons were happy to discuss their work, the sources of their inspiration and the processes and training they use.
Members also viewed the work in progress, climbing the scaffolding around the South Quire to see work that had been completed as well as the areas waiting to be restored.
