Stonemasonry
Dennis has dedicated the majority of his career to stonemasonry and has been an integral part of the team at Beverley Minster Old Fund since 2019. Several years ago, he became a permanent fixture within the team and later recruited his former apprentice, Rob Dodson. Their partnership traces back to their days at Quibell and Sons in Hull.
Presently, they are immersed in the meticulous craft of carving medieval-style pinnacles, which will replace some of the original stonework that has adorned Beverley Minster for over 900 years. The craftsmanship of this small team is expected to endure for centuries, leaving a lasting legacy that both Rob and Dennis admit they might sometimes take for granted.
Gothic Style
The Gothic style, originally conceived to infuse light into people’s lives, particularly within churches, is manifested in the intricate details of the pinnacles. These architectural elements feature dragons, horned demons, and various Gothic characters—a symbolic representation of control by the Church, aiming to urge people toward virtuous behaviour, lest they transform into such creatures.
Personal Touch
Rob and Dennis infuse personal touches into their creations, including a figure resembling Simon, from DMP who is the Surveyor of the fabric at The Minster. What began as a carving for a cat morphed into Simon’s likeness, complete with a collar and his name carved into the stone—a testament to their camaraderie.
The stonework comprises both complete replacements and partial renovations, with each full piece demanding 2-4 weeks of painstaking work.
Their material of choice is limestone, sourced from a vein spanning from Tadcaster in North Yorkshire to Doncaster in South Yorkshire. The team orders 400kg at a time. Renowned for its light colour and soft texture, limestone has been a preferred medium for church construction, facilitating the intricate carving of designs. Notable limestone structures worldwide include the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and the Cologne Cathedral in Germany.
Robert D
Rob’s journey into stonemasonry was serendipitous; unsure of his career path after school, he stumbled into the trade through a connection of his father’s. Despite exploring other professions, stonemasonry remained his passion. When the opportunity arose at Beverley Minster, Rob seized it eagerly.
Stonemasonry courses are offered at five colleges across the UK, with both Rob and Dennis honing their skills in York.
While Dennis possesses a knack for drawing, Rob emphasises that artistic talent is not a prerequisite for stonemasonry. He lays pencil designs on the stone as guides, showcasing the blend of technical precision and craftsmanship in their trade.
Dennis highlights the intricacies of carving faces, noting the prevalence of S shapes around facial features. He credits Alan Micklethwaite as his mentor, acknowledging his pivotal role in shaping his craft.
Stringent Health and Safety regulations govern their work, addressing concerns such as hand-arm vibration syndrome, respiratory issues, and the hazards of heavy lifting—a testament to their commitment to both their craft and their wellbeing.