Stone Carving Workshops

Dates for 2024:
Saturdays 24th Feb, 23rd Mar, 27th Apr, 25th May & 8th June

Up to 12 places available each day, 9am – 4pm, fee £110 for the day
BOOKING NOW – and FILLING UP

We sell VOUCHERS so you can make the gift of a course to your family & friends. A great idea for a present! The recipient has the chance to learn a new skill while spending the day at the historic Woodchester Mansion. Afterwards they can display their work at home and tell the story of how it was crafted – much better than buying a gift from the shops.

Contact the office on info@woodchestermansion.org.uk to purchase a voucher.

Our Master Mason Stephen at work

These workshops enable anyone to try their hand at the ancient craft of stonemasonry under the supervision of the talented Master Mason from the stonemasons’ Guild of St Stephen and St George and his assistant craftsmen. The Master Mason is a past master at Windsor Castle, the Doge’s Palace Venice and the Vatican.Students will receive expert advice from him on handling tools and working the stone to achieve beautiful results. All materials and tools are provided and participants will return home with their own hand-made masterpiece.

Master Mason | Composite Capital – work in progress | Journeyman at work

Student with work in progress
Two happy students with their finished masterpieces – in just 6 hours!
Two more happy pupils – one had come all the way from the USA!

Participants on previous Stone Days said:

“Had a fantastic day. Stephen was a delightful tutor, helpful and informative. The whole experience was rewarding and good humoured, regardless of ability. Many thanks.”

“Thank you so much for a fun day – most informative. Loved the practical work but also the story.”

“I’d never done anything like this but after a short while I felt at home and comfortable with the tools. A great time of work, learning and inspiration.”

“Excellent and fascinating session. The time just flew by … Loved it.”

“Enjoyable, rewarding and challenging. A friendly and informative team – came away with an appreciation for the craft.”

“I loved this workshop. A great teacher. Enjoyed learning the philosophy around stonemasonry as well as some techniques. A great opportunity in fabulous surroundings.”

“Tracy and I had the most wonderful day in the quite fabulous company of the amazing Dr Stephen. The day was a cacophony of experiences, not only carving our stone piece, but learning all about Stephen’s fascinating life as a stone mason and the mansion’s intriguing history. We now cherish our little carvings as a great memento of a fascinating and wonderfully enjoyable day.”

The workshops are held in the apposite surroundings of the beautifully crafted Neo-gothic Mansion. Refreshments are available throughout the day from our cafe. They offer a unique and totally different experience – why not consider a day as a special gift for family or friends? You can purchase a gift voucher at the ticket desk on Open Days or by emailing the office.

We have spaces on all the advertised dates

Please contact the office to book: email info@woodchestermansion.org.uk.

Follow this link to see some examples of the work of the stonemasons’ guild at their exhibition last year.

2024 Open Day Season

We are open 11am - 5pm every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays from Friday 29th March to Sunday 3rd November.

Telephone 01453 861541

Woodchester Mansion,
Nympsfield,
Stonehouse,
Gloucestershire

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