Stone masonry
Forget the freemasons. Stonemasons are part of a truly world wide network that is connected by love of an ‘artistic’ trade. Over the years we’ve had masons from all over the world help us to make our stone fireplaces and other stone products. Many come from eastern europe, and have trained with highly skilled masons on prestigious projects all over the globe. It never ceases to amaze me how many have worked on some of the most famous buildings (Normally churchs and cathedrals) in the world: Notre Dame; Canterbury Cathedral; St. Pauls; Florence; and so the list goes on.
By working on these great buildings, initially doing the less skilled tasks, these masons build up an arsenal of experience, and also many secret ‘tricks of the trade’ are passed on to these apprentice masons. They are always looked after, and can spend many years travelling the world while learning their art.
We have had many young masons come over from Eastern Europe; something that was unimaginable before the wall came down, and democracy rushed in. The young people had previously got there experience in the run down (and still bombed out) old cities of for example E. Germany. They are invariably highly skilled, having had to learn in much harder conditions than in the west.
Many have chosen to stay and live in the UK. Not because of the standard of Living, but because of our thriving construction industry. (not at the moment I know!)