Timeless Stone Artistry Crafted with Care
Hear directly from our clients about their memorable experiences and satisfaction with Court Master Stone Carving.
Dear Stephen
Well first of all can I say that they (Architecture students from US) didn’t stop talking about your input for the whole
three weeks. They were really impressed by your professionalism and your
willingness to engage with them.
Here are a couple of quotes from the reviews that you are welcome to use.
It was so fantastic to meet the Master and learn about this ancient craft and how the traditions are carried on to this day. It made the hands on experience so meaningful.
I just really loved the stone carvers in Bath, such a privilege to learn from them and see their commitment to preserving the role and all the philosophies and skills…and they were super engaging and generous with their time.
best wishes
Jean Macintyre
Director
The Open Palace Programmes
“As a 75 year old retiree not adapting well to retirement, an advert for a stone carving workshop caught my attention. I had no idea of the techniques used to carve the stones used in so many impressive buildings or the sculptures I’d often admired and quickly became curious.
I figured the day class would answer some of my questions and give me a taste of the trade with little to lose. The class was outstanding. Stephen L’Normand proved to be not only an outstanding craftsman, but also a great teacher and communicator, whose passion for the topic was evident immediately.
Stephen’s career and education has given him a unique perspective and a wealth of anecdotes that both entertain and educate. As a Guild Master of the Guild of St.Stephen (the stonemason’s guild) he is well versed in legends, practices and history of stonemasons.
After that first day I wanted to learn more and have been surprised at what I can achieve under expert mentoring – and the benefits go well beyond a developing skill set. For me there has been a significant mental health benefit. This has become a great aid to combating the depression that came with retirement and I look forward to further workshops.
I highly recommend Stephen’s workshops, for skill building, mental health and just pure pleasure. “
Alan Yates
I feel particularly blessed to have been able to attend the courses in stone carving. So interesting and very absorbing, each day just flies by. I find myself longing for the next.
It is a privilege to learn from a true expert in his field, Stephen generously shares his amazing skills and techniques and is willing to pass on his deep knowledge of this most ancient craft.
Starting to learn about stone carving has been a great experience for me, something I genuinely look forward to doing for a long time to come.
Anthony Hepworth
Fine Art Dealer
I was truly amazed at how profoundly meaningful the philosophy of this ancient craft has proven to be, and how incredibly relevant it is to my practice and life today.
I’ve been able to take so many of the lessons learned from this holistic approach and integrate them into, well, everything. Applying these principles to my day-to-day life has been transformative; I now feel so much more at ease with myself and have a far clearer view of the delusions that clouded my old way of living.
This has made a huge difference. You will certainly be seeing me again. Maybe you would come across the pond to us next time?
A huge thank you, master.
New York Architect
Victoria Anne Andrews *
recommends Stone Carving
Workshop; The Stone Path to Well
Being.
I recommend going~You Will Not Be
Disappointed. A surprisingly lovely creative
space to work hands-on in, & gain knowledge from a real deal Master’Craftsmen. Using a variety of tools under pleasant easy-going guidance. Stephens’ workmanship has the
Wow Factor. (Mine wasn’t too shabby either for a newby to stone carving tools & techniques).
My days were very enjoyable, and I now own a stone flower for keeps. ~Fab experience.
Thanks so much for a fantastic week! It’s been a privilege to spend time in your workshop and I have really appreciated your generosity and insight. It had been really helpful to learn about the range of ways to approach carving stone and tips on what to look for in a workmanship and materials.
Hope to see you again.
Thanks again!
Jen
Society of the Protection of Ancient Buildings 2024 Scholar)
Feedback from a five day
Stone Carving Workshop
22/9/23
I learned so many skills.
An amazing five days with a wonderfully generous teacher who gave insights into the craft of stone carving.
What a privilege to be with the only Guild Master Royal! Such expertise is rarely shared. But, a lifetime of knowledge and skill was made available, allowing. from a total novice to be able to produce a piece of work to be proud of and the skills to take away which could be confidently repeated at home.
Five/five stars all gold.
Many thanks Susannah+
Slightly belated, but please allow me to heap praise on the Stone Carving Experience retreat.
Tracy and I had the most wonderful time 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 intriguing history.
We now cherish our carvings as a great
memento of a fascinating and wonderfully, enjoyable experience.
Kindest regards
Alistair
Cassie Newland (She/Her)
1st Director, Cultural Heritage Institute
Thank you Stephen for the really thought-provoking discussions on classical stone carving and those human feelings of awe or wonder we feel when we enter those buildings. I particularly love the idea of taking building dimensions from musical notes. Harmonious dimensions inspire positive emotions and increase dwell-time in spaces.
Discordant ones encourage people to move swiftly through and so are good for corridors, etc. Totally fascinating. I could have listened to that for ages.
Date: 21/4/23
Superb course.
Wonderful pace, content.
I really don’t have anything to add other than a fabulous, memorable time.
Caroline Pagden
Really enjoyed my time with Stephen. Feel very privileged to be taught by him!
Fascinating wider history and insight, about life and the craft.
I am very pleased with my piece.
Would recommend, and would love to come again.
Thank
you
Stephen
Had a fantastic life changing time.
Stephen was a delightful tutor, helpful and informative. The whole experience was very rewarding and good humoured, regardless of ability.
Many thanks,
Stephen Bear
22/4/22