Members and partners enjoyed an afternoon visit to our local stonemason, Jonathan Protheroe’s home and workshop. Jonathan is a traditional stonemason, whose family business began in 1831 in central Birmingham during the Industrial Revolution. The business was first registered at Company’s House in 1848 and was started by two brothers working on new buildings in the city and memorials. From then the business and its skills has been passed from father to son.
On his 4th birthday, Jonathan was given his first hammer by his father and his journey to be a stonemason began. He told of his apprenticeship and training when leaving school aged 15, showed his ‘special hammer’ received the previous year which he still uses today and his first job on the Neville and Joseph Chamberlain Memorial in Birmingham.
As a traditional stonemason, his work consists of designing and hand carving memorials and restoration work, via Cadw and English Heritage, particularly on churches and war memorials, many of which are local.
His workshop houses the tools he uses, including a range of hammers, mallets and chisels, all homemade; pieces he has exhibited, commissions undertaken and the range of materials used from granite to limestone, sandstone to Welsh slate.
Later in his career, Jonathan gained a degree in Fine Art and also spent time teaching restoration skills to young craftsmen in Romania and Hungary after the fall of Communism.
He relayed many amusing stories along the way and those he had undertaken commissions for including Elton John.
Talk complete, tea and cake were served alfresco in the late afternoon sunshine.
Words: Isabel Morris Photos: Michael Brown
More information about Jonathan Protheroe Stonemason is on his website.