Craftsmanship at Alnwick Castle

The reason I first started stone carving was that I saw quarry men at work - taking raw stone and shaping it with hammer and chisel. I loved the neat-handed skill and the sound of the stone being worked.

At every opportunity I explored stone carvings, on buildings, at exhibitions and in books. How did they do it? Over the years I’ve learned by doing.

It is a great pleasure now to be asked by Alnwick Castle to demonstrate at their Heritage Craft Day.

Heritage Craft Day
Alnwick Castle, Northumberland

17 October, 2026
10.30 am - 4 pm

Traditional crafts are important because they preserve cultural heritage and promote sustainable living in a world dominated by mass production. Although I have never really thought of myself as a heritage craftsman - I believe strongly in craftsmanship. All the stone carving I do is enabled through honing skills, heritage skills.

Every item made by hand carries stories, values and the identity of the person or community that created it. The building of and stone carving at Alnwick Castle is testament to this.

You’ll also be able to learn about, and watch the skills of a green woodworker, a stick dresser, a willow weaver and a mix of medieval craftsmanship from the Company of Artisans.

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