To the south-east of the Minster in York, beside the Queen's Path, the Minster Stonemasons have a compound where they carve and prepare new stonework to be installed on the Minster to replace old and badly corroded carved stonework. This is one of quite a few pieces ready to be installed.
Unfortunately none of the stonemasons were at work while I was there. I enjoy seeing the experts at work.
The rock used in the Minster is a relatively soft limestone originally quarried near Tadcaster, around 10 miles to the west of York. It was then moved by boat down the River Wharfe and up the River Ouse. That quarry is now closed, and the stone used today for renewals comes from France.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
The work of the stonemasons is very impressive, and looking at the scale of the Minster, the amount of carved stone is remarkable. The reason the stone comes from France is because it is the nearest colour match that is readily available.
@casablanca I love the idea of this as a cake decoration - that would be an impressive cake. A block like this in icing sugar would take some eating - but I would be up for the challenge!
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
The work of the stonemasons is very impressive, and looking at the scale of the Minster, the amount of carved stone is remarkable. The reason the stone comes from France is because it is the nearest colour match that is readily available.
Ian
Ian
Ian
It's interesting to see these new pieces installed on the Minster. There are quite a few completed ones waiting to be installed.
Ian