Testimonials - Court Master Stone Carving

An Institutional Presence Across Three Continents for over 30 years

Participant Reflections

Participants have attended previous formations ranging from complete beginners to experienced craftsmen, architects, and heritage enthusiasts.

Many arrive with little or no prior experience of stone carving, yet leave with both practical understanding and a deeper appreciation of the architectural and cultural traditions behind the work.

Here are some of their thoughts.

Dr Janina Ramirez

Janina Ramirez with court master carving

Historian, broadcaster, bestselling author, and specialist in medieval art and culture.

During a stone carving session, Dr Ramirez shared the following reflection:

“This is the face of joy. I’m discovering the mystical world of stone masonry and I’m hooked!!!”

— Dr Janina Ramirez

Dear Master,

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.

The Master’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 The Master’s workshops, for skill building, mental health and just pure pleasure. “

Alan Yates

No Caption

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 WellBeing.

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+

We feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to spend some time with Stephen today. He also clearly had a very good rapport with the students and put them at ease instantly. None of our students have worked with stone before however Stephen was able to guide them all towards producing some work they enjoyed making. The session was free flowing and moved naturally to support everyone. Stephen presented his demonstrations wonderfully well and spent time working with individual students to guide them when required. His sense of humor was very well received and modest displays of magnificent skill were admired. So, a big thank you to Stephen from SGS.

Many Thanks,

Charles Smith

Bricklaying Lecturer

SGS College

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 Master. 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 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.