Meet Rob from Rock Mallet Chisel
MEET THE MAKERS| 11.03.2021
Rob has been working as a Stonemason since leaving school in 1988. His work is scattered throughout the Midlands and the South West and his commissions have come from as far afield as the Scottish borders.
"Restoring and conserving old buildings is something I feel really lucky and privileged to do."
Examples of Rob's craftsmanship can be seen above Shakespeare's tomb in Stratford, on the famous three spires of Lichfield Cathedral, St Martins church in Birmingham and in the grounds of Tyntesfield to name but a few.
"I do stonemasonry because it is different every day, even if I am working on the same mould on the same stone, it's slightly different to the way the stone reacts to grinders and chisels because it is a natural product."
After completing his formal apprenticeship with 'Linford Bridgeman', Rob took time out from the workshop to successfully study for an HND in Figurative Design and Sculpture at Stafford Art College.
"I do my bread and butter stuff in the day, which is very technical, working to a millimeter, you see me with a straight edge, come the evening it's about relaxing."
On his return to practical stonemasonry, Rob quickly gained a reputation for high quality workmanship and decided to become self-employed, running a successful workshop in Bridgnorth Shropshire, undertaking a variety of work ranging from gargoyles, grotesques, garden walling, ornaments, tracery windows and bespoke fireplaces.
"Being a stonemason is the best thing ever, I'll be a stonemason forever and a day, I could never imagine being anything else."
With his wealth of experience and expertise, Rob now hopes to be able to pass on some of the skills he has acquired in what is seen by many as a "dying trade". He teaches classes to people interested in learning about the skill of stonemasonry. Rob will expertly lead you through the process of working stone, covering centuries-old techniques whilst allowing your artistic talents free reign to produce your very own unique piece of work. Once a course has been completed, you will then have the opportunity to join the ROCK-MALLET-CHISEL stone carving club!
"It's about people walking out my door, having learnt- but with a massive grin on their face."
Where He works
|
COMPANY |
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Rock Mallet Chisel |
|
FOUNDER |
|
Rob Maxfield |
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LOCATION |
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Congresbury, Nr. Bristol, UK |
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ESTABILISHED |
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2016 |
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ROB'S POSITION |
| Stonemason & Lecturer |
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