Experience the Essence of Stone Carving and Masonic Wisdom
Explore how our retreats blend Masonic philosophy with expert stone carving to inspire growth, self-discovery, and mastery in every participant.
These retreats are only open to those with a serious interest in the link between operative and freemasonry.
Discover Transformative Stone Carving Experiences
Immerse yourself in retreats that blend Masonic philosophy with expert stone carving to inspire growth and mastery.
Master Craftsmanship Guidance
Receive personalized instruction from a Master Stonemason, elevating your technique and artistic expression.
Philosophical Integration
Engage deeply with Masonic principles that enrich your creative process and foster meaningful self-discovery.
Exclusive Retreat Environment
Enjoy a focused, serene setting designed to enhance learning, reflection, and artistic growth.
These retreats are only open to those with a serious interest in the link between operative and freemasonry.
The Operative Return: Stone Carving as Speculative Pursuit
An Exclusive Masterclass for the Thinking Mason
You understand the Working Tools as symbols of a moral life. Now, discover their Operative power.
Our stone carving retreats offer an intensive, screen-free sanctuary where Speculative Philosophy meets Tactile Mastery, guided by a Master Stonemason whose lineage is woven into the architecture of Europe (including work for the Vatican and Windsor Castle).
This is not a mere craft course; it is a profound act of Masonic self-discovery—a tangible application of Eudaimonia (human flourishing through virtue).
What You Will Gain:
- A Deeper Light: Transform your understanding of the Square, Level, and Plumb by applying them to the stone. Experience the principles of Moral Rectitude and Uprightness in a physically demanding, unforgettable way.
- The Perfect Ashlar: Use the Common Gavel to remove the rough, superfluous excrescences of the stone, mirroring the internal work of turning the Rough Ashlar of the self into the Perfect Ashlar.
- The Master’s Gauge: Learn to budget your time and efforts—the most valuable of all possessions—using the 24-Inch Gauge, focusing your mind entirely on the act of creation.
Choose Your Lineage:
- I. The Master’s Trestle board (The Elixir) | £3,500: The ultimate retreat. Advanced design and proportional work in prestigious global locations. Focus on the Architectural Blueprint of the Inner Self and the ultimate design.
- II. The Fellowcraft’s Proof (The Carver’s Core) | £1,050: Intensive, hands-on work in the master’s own West of Ireland studio. A rigorous crucible for achieving Precision, Focus, and True Skill.
- III. The Apprentice’s First Stroke (The Essentials) | £650: The perfect introduction to the Gavel and Gauge. Master the foundational principles in a small, personalized, screen-free setting.
Groups of 4 – 6 people
Dates to be agreed
The Elixir VIP: Private Trestle Board Experience
The Private Studio Experience is the pinnacle of the Master’s teaching and craft, offered on an exclusive, private one-to-one or one-to-two basis. It is a seven-day, fully bespoke engagement priced at £10,000 or more, depending on location and project scope.
Core Experience and Focus
This private masterclass transcends standard instruction by integrating the client’s goals directly into the philosophical and practical curriculum.
- Custom Commission: The seven-day intensive is typically centered around a high-value, custom commission—such as a personal crest, a specialized architectural element, or a piece of philosophical sculpture—which the client either works on personally or observes the Master executing while receiving highly focused, private instruction.
- Philosophical Integration: The experience is a direct application of the Master’s unique Intellectual Property (IP), leveraging principles like Arete (excellence) and Eudaimonia (human flourishing) to deliver a transformative experience that applies to both stone carving and professional life.
- Mindful Refuge: It provides a Mindful Refuge from the demands of the modern world, fostering absolute presence and stripping away non-essential distractions through the rigorous, tactile demands of the craft.
- Exclusivity & Discretion: All participants are required to sign Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) to reinforce the exclusivity of the content and protect the unique lineage and unreleased intellectual property shared by the Master.
Logistics and High-End Service
The Private Trestle Board Experience is often held at a custom international location, with all logistics managed by a network of specialized “Local Fixers” to ensure a flawless luxury experience. The fee covers all materials, bespoke tools, and dedicated, non-stop access to the Master’s expertise for the full seven-day duration. The experience is designed to leave the client with profound, lasting clarity and a direct connection to an unbroken lineage of craft.