The art of stonemasonry on display at Rookwood Cemetery
A Rookwood Cemetery initiative highlighting the art of stonemasonry will be on display at Rookwood’s Village Green, from 1 April to 16 May 2022. The showcase of stone carvings, created by participants of Rookwood General Cemetery’s Stonemason Carving Competition, have been created using sandstone blocks provided by NSW Heritage Stone Works.
Visitors are invited to view and appreciate the unique hand carving skills of NSW’s stonemasons. Each piece is a hand carved snapshot of an architectural finial or frieze, that includes a moulding and is decorated with a type of Australian flora and fauna.
The Stonemason Carving Competition was the inspiration of Matthew Johnson, heritage specialist at Rookwood General Cemetery.
“Rookwood General Cemetery is a site rich with stonework and architectural features, and many stonemasons visit the site while they’re learning the trade. The stonemasonry industry in Sydney has very few formal exhibition spaces or events that can showcase the rich talents that stonemasonry has to offer.
“This is a unique opportunity for stonemasons and their apprentices to test their skills or be creatively challenged outside of professional projects,” commented Matthew. “Stonemasons have a deep passion for their craft and the inspiration for their carvings often comes from ancient cultures.”
Judges will announce the winners on 1 April 2022. Prizes are generously supplied by CDK Stone, Diamach Tools, and sailMade.
The carvings are on display at the Village Green, Hawthorne Ave (North), opposite the All Souls, Rookwood General Cemetery until 16 May 2022. Entry is free.
Information and photos from the 2021 Stonemason Carving Competition can viewed here https://www.rookwoodcemetery.com.au/stonemason-carving-competition/winners-announcement
Photos from the 2021 Stonemason carving competition
Media enquiries: for more information, images or to speak with Matthew Johnson, please contact:
Kim Viney, Write Away Communication
Ph: 02 9252 2266
