DRY stone wall construction may be a little known craft in Australia, but an upcoming workshop is hoped to inspire people to keep the tradition alive.
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In Europe, professional dry stone wallers regularly undertake large-scale contract work in this civil engineering field.
And now, British-trained master craftsman Geoff Duggan will guide a weekend workshop on October 28-29 into the ancient craft.
On The Stone is hosting the workshop and its website states: “Dry stone walls are built without mortar, and rely solely on the forces of gravity and friction for their strength”.
“These structures were once used as a means of survival — for shelter and to contain livestock. Today they are used in gardens as retaining and feature walls, and as sculptural artworks in public open spaces.”
On The Stone’s Marje Prior said volcanic rock, in particular basalt, will be used by participants at the workshop.
“These stones are ideal to work with because they have flat tops and bottoms which is something I always look out for,” she said.
“I have always been passionate about this craft and when I come across a beautifully constructed wall in the country it just takes my breath away.”
Visit www.onthestone.com.au to find out more.