Ben Newman, Architectural Project Manager at Cliveden Conservation, has achieved a significant milestone in his stonemasonry career with the award of the esteemed Master Craftsman’s Certificate by The Worshipful Company of Masons.
This prestigious certificate which recognises exceptional skills and dedication to the craft, was presented by The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor, Alderman Alastair King DL at a special ceremony in The Egyptian Room of The Mansion House, London.
Ben has over 30 years of experience as a professional stonemason and is a SPAB (Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) Fellow. His nomination for the award was supported by an impressive portfolio of projects, each a testament to his role in preserving our heritage and excellent management skills.
Having taught stone carving for 6 years, Ben could also demonstrate to the Worshipful Company of Masons his ability for training, including in-house and external training days and CPD events such as the WREN 300 celebrations.
Ben’s journey in stonemasonry is a testament to his dedication and inspiration. He vividly recalls the moment he carved stone for the first time, an experience that ignited his passion for the craft. This passion led him to specialise in stonemasonry, including periods of studying in Spain and Italy. His journey culminated in a Maestro course in Venice, where he learned from Europe’s finest craftspeople.
Equipped with his Master Craftsman’s Certificate, Ben is eager to take his stonemasonry career to new heights and continue his teaching:
“It’s been a privilege to use my skills to preserve our architectural heritage and, importantly, to teach those hard-earned skills to the next generation to maintain the excellence of the craft.”
Lewis Proudfoot, Managing Director of Cliveden Conservation, congratulates Ben on this remarkable achievement:
“Ben’s stone conservation skills and knowledge are a tremendous asset to the company. His ability to train and mentor others is integral to filling the heritage skills gap. The Master Craftsman Certificate is an incredible achievement and well-deserved.”
Mansion House is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London, located in the heart of the City of London. Built in the 1740s in the Palladian style by architect George Dance the Elder, this Grade I listed building is renowned for its grand architecture and historical significance