Stonework is the general term for anything built, shaped or carved from stone, from the walls and dressings of a building to fireplaces, steps, columns, balustrades and decorative carving. In antiques and architectural salvage it often refers to reclaimed elements such as chimneypieces, mullioned windows, corbels, door surrounds, paving and garden features.
British stonework reflects the rich variety of the country's geology, with limestone in the Cotswolds and Bath, granite in Cornwall and Scotland, sandstone in the North and Midlands and slate in Wales. Medieval masons produced vaulting, tracery and figure carving in churches and castles, while Georgian architects favoured finely jointed ashlar and classical detailing, and the Victorians used stone extensively for public buildings and Gothic Revival architecture. Carved stone chimneypieces, from Tudor arched surrounds to Georgian marble and limestone designs, are among the most sought-after salvage pieces. Buyers should examine the crispness of carving, signs of genuine weathering and the extent of any repairs, especially cement patching. Because stone is heavy and can be fragile along natural bedding planes, careful handling, transport and installation by experienced craftsmen are essential.
