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As times and traditions
S tonemasons have been present throughout history, constructing everything from cathedrals, administrative headquarters and commercial buildings, to chimneys and even lighthouses along wild shorelines. Stonemasons were also responsible for the building of roads and bridges in past centuries. Another interesting fact relating to stonemasons is that Australian unionists were the first to win the eight-hour working day, beginning with the stonemasons in Sydney. Over the years and due largely to advent of industrial technology, the art of the monumental mason has undergone many changes. Traditionally, the craft was passed down within families from one generation to the next. Early masons worked and lettered stones by hand and many of the monuments were finely carved with a wealth of symbolism. For instance, different crosses symbolised different faiths; angels represented heaven, the thistle stood for Scotland, and the shamrock for Ireland.i The broken column design represented a life broken off. If the column is broken off near the base it indicates an infant or child, near the middle shows middle age, while breakage at the top refers to a long and full life. The golden age of the mason’s art came with the spread of wealth and literacy in the mid-nineteenth century. The plain, modest style of earlier tombstones was replaced by the more ornate and finely carved grand works of the monumental masons. The wealthy were able to afford tombstones in marble and granite. During the last century there was significant movement away from sandstone and marble memorials to granite and other materials. Improvements in tooling (tungsten/diamond cutting edges) and machinery, made it easier and more economical to shape granite. Today it is often religious denominations that determine much of the design work on headstones. In fact, new sections are created in cemeteries specifically for the various multicultural communities. Expanding religions have generated additional work for monumental masons, and subsequently increased competition. For instance, there are masons in Australia who specialise in work for, say, Greek or Asian clientele. Those working in the industry are usually there for the long haul. There’s a huge financial outlay for materials and plants including specialised lifting equipment. The machinery and tooling available to process granite has improved to the degree where designs are almost limitless and available at a cost that the general public can afford. The range of work is varied. Monumental masons erect headstones, monuments, tombs and vaults. They repair monuments that have deteriorated due to age, subsidence or vandalism; they cut repeat inscriptions to match old ones and, almost daily, remove and replace slabs for second interments in graves. There is a shortage of skilled labour in stonemasonry. It is a ‘heavy’ industry and perhaps this is what takes a toll on staffing levels or it may be fear of the unknown that deters people. TAFE training is available, yet it’s definitely ‘on the job’ that the real learning takes place. The majority of those working in the industry find it most rewarding. A master mason will; discuss materials and design, advise on what is permissible in the various sections of cemeteries, taking into account cost, practicality, the most suitable materials and the client’s ethnic/religious background. Designs can be finalised from photos, existing memorials, a plan or sketch. Drafts of lettering options are provided by computer. There can be, for both client and mason, a real sense of satisfaction upon the completion of a monument. Despite the emotional strain at the time, the public will often post letters of thanks to suppliers. Monumental masons face the constant challenge to present new styles of monuments in order to remain competitive. “Cemeteries are an important part of Australia’s heritage. The burial places of our ancestors provide a history of the nation's growth and a valuable insight into its development. Cemeteries may be the only place where a person's life in Australia is recorded.”ii A monument’s inscription has a historical significance as it contains genealogical, social and historical information, and may show artistic and technological changes. Nearly all cemeteries, including the newer and active ones, are valu- able social documents of history and document changes in taste, custom and design. The future is a challenge! Though cremation is more the trend now, for ethnic and traditional reasons there is still a strong demand for monumental masons. The author would like to acknowledge the Monumental Masons Association of NSW for their assistance with the preparation of this article. i “Stonemason’s Perspective on Rookwood Cemetery”, David Clark, Sites and Scenes 1999 ii “Guidelines for Cemetery Conservation”, The National Trust of Australia (NSW)
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