Stonemason Paul Thurloe says seeing the chisel marks made by stonemasons 2000 years ago on Roman mouldings and carvings similar to those that he replicates today was inspiring. Paul is the first recipient of the George Proudman Stonemasonry Fellowship. He has just returned from Europe where he took part in a work and study tour to some of Europe's prime centres for stonemasonry.

The George Proudman Stonemasonry Fellowship aims to promote the craft of stonemasonry in Australia. It is supported by the NSW Heritage Office. The fellowship gives recipients the opportunity to develop skills and champion the cause of conservation of Australia's sandstone buildings, a role played so valuably by George Proudman during his life.

When George Proudman was employed by the Public Works Department in 1977, the craft of stonemasonry had almost "died" in Sydney. He recognised that if Sydney's major heritage sandstone icons were to survive, they would need considerable maintenance and repair.

George was instrumental in employing and training apprentice stonemasons, setting up a stone yard with machinery to process stone and establishing a TAFE course.

Now Paul Thurloe is continuing this work through the George Proudman Fellowship. It has given him the chance to broaden his understanding of his craft.

St. Paul's Cathedral in London where Paul Thurloe talked to onsite stonemasons about their work and inspected their underground workshop. Photograph by Paul Thurloe

"I have had six years working on sandstone in Australia on buildings around 120 years old. Going to Europe gave me the chance to use different materials and be introduced to different processes, in places where structures can be over 1,000 years old. It was a superb opportunity to observe and learn, and now the challenge is to see if these processes can be applied here."

Paul's packed itinerary included a conservation course on mortars, work experience with heritage firms, a stone trade fair and visits to some of the most famous stone industry sites in Europe and the UK.

"I worked with William Sapcote and Co. in Birmingham at various sites and stately homes and was able to compare different work practices and approaches, and discuss issues with some of their very experienced and knowledgeable craftspeople."

"Firms in the UK have really gone back into the old technology. It was interesting to see them using hydraulic lime technology, for example, rather than cement in mortars."

A stonemasonry highlight for Paul was visiting Italy, which gave him a new appreciation for his craft.

"I spent a fortnight in Azzano in the Apuan Alps, Northwestern Tuscany, an area famous for its marble quarries and work. During my time there I learned much about the material and honed my hand working skills. After years of working sandstone it was great to experiment with a different material that offers a new range of possible finishes. It was amazing to be working near the quarries used by Michelangelo as he was trying to break Carrara's monopoly on statue-quality marble."

"Going overseas gave me the opportunity to learn new techniques and approaches, to familiarise myself with new materials , and enhance my appreciation of our stone heritage. All of which will prove useful in continuing the Proudman legacy."

Sculpture dedicated to the Stonemason's Guild in Florence Photograph by Paul Thurloe