Projects at the Victoria & Albert Museum by Stone Productions, Norwich Cathedral by Rattee & Kett, Yorkshire’s Selby Abbey by Quibell & Son and Balfour Beatty’s hard landscaping at the Liverpool canal link were among schemes that won top honours in this year’s Natural Stone Awards, presented by Stone Federation Great Britain last month (26 November).
The impressive stonework of Ketton Stone at new offices in London’s Tottenham Court Road took the Award in the traditional new build category and Timothy Lees’ new marble chimney pieces at Hanover Lodge in London’s Regents Park won the coveted Craftsmanship Trophy.
Timothy, from Stourton in Wiltshire, said afterwards: “I was very pleased to hear the judges describe it as some of the finest carving in the country. It was a great thrill.
“I have won at these awards before, but working for someone else. This is the first time in my own name, although my colleagues Martin Foot, Matthew Simmonds and Harry Brockway share this honour with me.”
The awards are the ‘Oscars’ of the natural stone industry and were presented this year at Lord’s cricket ground in London. In spite of the difficult times, 280 architects, clients and representatives of the stone industry attended the Awards ceremony and celebration lunch afterwards.
The winners received their awards from former England rugby captain Bill Beaumont. Hosting the event was sports commentator Jim Rosenthal while one of the smoothest voices in broadcasting, Alan Dedicoat, announced the winners.
Stone Federation Chief Executive Jane Buxey said afterwards: “Even in these difficult financial times we received not only a very high number of entries but a high level of top-quality entries, which demonstrates the supreme craftsmanship in the natural stone industry.
“As a body we will continue to invest in the training of young people to maintain this level of craftsmanship.”
For a list of winners and to download a PDF of the Awards Souvenir Brochure, click here.