Martin Gwilliams is an apprentice stonemason at Gloucester Cathedral and a current student on the CWF Foundation degree programme.
After completing his NVQ Level 3 in Heritage Skills he joined the stonemasonry team at Gloucester in September 2019. The two-year CWF Foundation degree is incorporated into his apprenticeship.
Martin is writing a blog to record his experience of working in the Gloucester Cathedral stonemasonry workshop whilst also studying for the Foundation degree.
Follow Martin’s Progress:
Gloucester Cathedral has been awarded generous grants from Allchurches Trust (£25,000) and the Garfield Weston Foundation (£15,000) to cover Martin’s training through to graduation in two years time.
Martin said:
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to work with Pascal and his team on one of the most beautiful medieval buildings in Europe.”
When asked about the impact of trainees on the Cathedral, Master Mason Pascal Mychalysin said:
“Training the next generation of stonemasons is part of the Cathedral’s heritage and something which is very close to my heart. The energy and enthusiasm trainees bring to the team is infectious and I am looking forward to supporting Martin as he perfects his trade at Gloucester over the next two years.”
Paul Playford, Grants Officer at Allchurches Trust, said:
“Our new heritage grant programme invests in future generations so that all can continue to enjoy our great past; with traditional skills being handed down. We’re delighted to have been able to fund Martin to grow his own stonemasonry expertise and experience with the exceptionally talented team at Gloucester Cathedral.”