Free stonework demonstrations at cathedral

Visitors to Lichfield Cathedral can get a unique insight into the art of modern stonemasonry this week - entirely free.

The cathedral is currently undertaking significant restoration works to the badly damaged central spire thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Running until Saturday 16 September, Lichfield Cathedral is hosting free stonework demonstrations outside the Cathedral for anyone to attend.

With the scaffolding now in place, a team of expert craftspeople are working to repair and restore stonework on Lichfield Cathedral's central spire. The demonstrations are a unique opportunity to see the skills and tools of modern stonemasons, learn what has changed over the centuries, and what has remained of the ancient craftmanship.

Between 10:00-15:00 visitors will be able to see at close quarters the work underway to restore the central spire of Lichfield Cathedral, while stonemasons demonstrate their work at ground level. An area will be set aside for the public to view the stonemasons at work, examine details of the Cathedral that are usually too high to see, see the tools that are used to shape the stones, and to ask questions about the valuable work they do.

Kayley Harrison, Clerk of Works at Lichfield Cathedral, said: “The work on the central spire not only secures this local landmark for centuries to come but also allows us to highlight the skilled work of the craftspeople that have put their life and soul into the Cathedral across the centuries.

"We are pleased to offer these demonstrations for free to the public to give visitors an insight into the work happening behind the scaffolding currently covering the central spire.”

The restoration of the central spire at the Cathedral is made possible thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, generous contributions from donors, individuals, and organisations and to the players of the National Lottery.

In addition to the grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, significant funds have also been pledged by the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Wolfson Foundation, HS2 Community and Environment Fund, and the Headley Trust, along with many other grants and donations generously contributed by hundreds of donors.