Gloucester Cathedral has just announced grants from Allchurches Trust and the Garfield Weston Foundation that will enable it to continue its renowned stonemason training programme.
Over 50 stonemasons have been trained at Gloucester Cathedral by Master Mason, Pascal Mychalysin and his team over the past 30 years and the cathedral boasts an international reputation as one of the finest Conservation Stonemasonry workshops in Europe.
The funding will support the newest trainee, Martin Gwilliams during his two-year training programme through the Cathedral’s Workshop Fellowship (CWF which will culminate in a Foundation Degree in Applied Historic Building Conservation and Repair at the University of Gloucestershire.
Trainee Martin said:
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to work with Pascal and his team at one of the most beautiful medieval buildings in Europe. I can’t wait to get started!”
Master Mason, Pascal said:
“Training the next generation of stonemasons is part of the Cathedral’s heritage and something which is very close to my heart. The energy and enthusiasm trainees bring to the team is infectious and I am looking forward to supporting Martin as he perfects his trade at Gloucester over the next two years.”
Just last month, a rugby player, the first of six new gargoyles to represent the six districts of the county, was installed on Gloucester Cathedral.
They were all designed by Master Mason Pascal as part of a fund-raising project to raise £400,000 to save one of the oldest areas of the 900-year-old “architectural masterpiece”. It is only the second time in living memory that new gargoyles have been created for the cathedral.
Paul Playford, Grants Officer at Allchurches Trust, said:
“Our new heritage grant programme invests in future generations so that all can continue to enjoy our great past; with traditional skills being handed down. We’re delighted to have been able to fund Martin to grow his own stonemasonry expertise and experience with the exceptionally talented team at Gloucester Cathedral.”
