Stone Specialist catches up with Michael Sheppard, executive director of CWF

In a unique and exclusive opportunity, 18 students from the Cathedrals’ Workshop Fellowship  recently travelled to Paris to gain invaluable insights into the restoration of the world-renowned Notre-Dame Cathedral. The visit was part of a collaboration between CWF and the Worshipful Company of Masons, which generously funded the trip.

The students, all of whom are training as stonemasons at 12 cathedrals across the UK, were given access to areas of the cathedral that are typically closed to the public, including the roof. This rare chance to witness the ongoing restoration work at such close quarters was a truly inspirational experience. The students were able to observe first-hand the incredible progress made in the wake of the catastrophic fire in 2019 and to explore the impressive technical expertise involved in the restoration process.

Learning Outcomes and International Skills Sharing
The study tour was not only an opportunity to witness the craftsmanship involved in the restoration of one of the world’s most iconic cathedrals but also a valuable learning experience for the students. As stonemasons in training, the exposure to the scale and complexity of the work at Notre-Dame provided them with a wealth of technical knowledge and insight. The students gained a deeper understanding of the preservation and repair work undertaken on historic buildings, and many expressed how the trip would shape their future careers.

"Being part of this group and seeing the work being done at Notre-Dame was an incredible privilege," said one of the students. "It’s an experience that will stay with me forever and has inspired me to continue pursuing this craft with even more passion."
The international collaboration also allowed for a meaningful exchange of knowledge and ideas. The French representatives were impressed by the enthusiasm and commitment shown by the CWF students, commenting that they were "most impressed by the seriousness and enthusiasm of the CWF cohort."

Michael Sheppard, executive director of CWF, described the experience as "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop skills, inspire, and enthuse the students of the UK cathedrals and see the wonderful achievements of so many craftspeople in France with this amazing effort." He added, "Our thanks go to the Worshipful Company of Masons for making this possible and for their continued support of the CWF and the next generation of heritage craftsmen and women."
 

An Unforgettable Experience for CWF Students
The visit to Notre-Dame was not just a technical learning experience but also an inspiring and unforgettable one for the students. The chance to witness such an ambitious restoration effort left a lasting impact on them, and many described the trip as "life-changing."
One student reflected, "This has been an unforgettable experience, and I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of this group. It’s given me a greater appreciation for the skill and dedication that goes into preserving historic buildings."
 

The CWF is proud to continue fostering opportunities for international learning and skills-sharing, enabling its students to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to preserve the UK's rich architectural heritage. This trip to Notre-Dame is just one example of how the CWF is helping to shape the future of craftsmanship in heritage conservation.