Stonemason’s festival, Part two.
5 June, 2026 – 10:51 amAs well as the stonemasons carving and my activities on the Saturday and Sunday afternoon, there were other activities hosted by the Maison Dieu and partners, both inside and outside the building.
Cross Channel Geopark, https://geoparktransmanche.org/en/ had a stand where people could visit and find out more about a mega flood that carved out the English channel 450,000 years ago.
There was the opportunity to look closely at the stones of the Maison Dieu.
There were information boards inside that visitors could sit and read to find out more.
Keen to engage the local community and those from further afield all the activities are fully accessible, there is a lift from the entrance to all levels. When the new entrance to the Maison Dieu was installed at pavement level, a William Burges window had to be removed, two of the stonemasons were carving part of the original stone from this window.
Gayle and Candida both chose a piece of stone that had once been part of a window. Candida a local artist carved a charming image of St Martin and his horse and Gayle a 3rd year student from London carved a mysterious sea creature from one of the many beautiful stained glass windows featuring Sir William Peveril’s and his shield.
There was a fantastic activity to design your own stained glass by painting lasagne sheets, an activity that everyone can enjoy.
I have been commissioned by the Maison Dieu and Dover Museum to reproduce 4 replicas of the Deal Chalk figure. It was found in the 80’s at an archaeological dig on St Richard’s road in Deal,
this Iron Age figure is in need of some conservation and restoration.
Another engaging activity was to create small figures out of air drying clay inspired by the original, I had brought the one I am working on and the initial sketches that I had made for people to look at. There were photos, how-to guides, and obviously there were plenty of wonderful volunteers to assist.
Plasticine is another great modelling material and people were able to make their own grotesques inspired by the creatures of the Maison Dieu. William Burges loved the Wyvern and someone created a lovely one in clay.
There are still lots of photos to share of the stone carving and some more videos, so watch this space for the final installment of the stonemason’s festival.
Photos courtesy of Andy Aitchison, Martin Crowther and me.
