THE FIRST ever carved stone auction is taking place at Worcester Cathedral.
Members of the public have the opportunity to bid for their own piece of heritage craft, created by the cathedral’s talented apprentice stonemasons.
Master mason, Darren Steele, has carefully chosen a selection of carved stones to form ten auction lots. They reflect the great talent and skill of the stonemasonry apprentices, both past and present.
The auction lots are currently on display in the Dean’s Chapel, during normal cathedral visiting hours, until Thursday November 28. Anyone who would like to own their own carved stone, can submit a sealed bid by Sunday December 1, when the auction will close. Bidding is via a form on the cathedral website or in person when visiting the exhibition.
Mr Steele said: “It is vitally important that we have stone masons with the skills to restore, conserve and respect the stonework, and it is key that we retain all the characteristics and architectural styles so future generations will be able to enjoy the beauty of the cathedral and explore its history.
“To ensure we can do this, we have had a stonemasonry apprenticeship programme for the last 35 years and we have trained many new masons. They have learned their trade here; some have stayed and worked on the cathedral, and some have moved on to use their skills across the country, and even globally, in the heritage sector.”
The highest bid holder on each lot will be contacted on December 3 with the good news.
All lots purchased must be collected from Worcester Cathedral by December 13 and upon cleared funds being received. The buyer will be responsible for collection.
The stones vary in weight from 8kg to 30kg. Each stone has a reserve placed upon it.
If this is not met the stone will remain the property of Worcester Cathedral.
Worcester Cathedral reserves the right to reject any and all bids.
All proceeds will be used to support the stonemason team in their work to preserve Worcester Cathedral for future generations to enjoy.
To place a bid and to view the auction catalogue visit https://www.worcestercathedral.org.uk/support-us/carved-stone-auction
