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Robert is completely commited to traditional stonework in its many guises. He has studied, trained and practised old techniques and methods, a lot of which he taught himself, having no-one else around who had any idea about what he wanted information on. Robert has an in-depth knowledge of Stonework, the history of stonework, techniques and practices. He studied landscape construction in the early 90's, and here did drystone walling and other areas involving landscaping with stone. As time went by, people began complimenting Robert, saying that his stone work was fantastic. It was obvious that he had a natural ability with the material. Robert's interest in reviving the old techniques ultimately became an obsession! He studied old masonry texts on geometry, how to cut a column, how to draft a line, etc., and virtually apprenticed himself - through study and hours of practical practice. Robert has done courses on carving and stonework, but he found that so few people knew about the old practices that he had to teach himself. Robert builds using the old methods, a lot of which were previously long forgotten. |
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Robert Shacklock : Stonemason
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Robert searched hard for a master to teach him about lime mortars, but he was repeatedly told, "Can't help you mate, all the old boys who did that are dead". So, Robert studied Vitruvious and other old texts and taught himself. During the first lime job he ever did, a man pulled up in his car and asked if it he was using lime mortar. When Robert confirmed this, the man (who was an architect) told Robert what a great job he was doing and how highly he rated Robert's workmanship. Robert has undertaken extensive study and research, giving him the experience to avoid problems and pitfalls. Modern building methods are largely detrimental to stonework (e.g. cement mortars, ribbon pointing). Robert's in depth knowledge make him expert in correcting the problems with stonework, particulary in old buildings. His knowledge of the chemical and physical nature of stonework led Robert to work as a consultant for builders, and many have relied on Robert's advice for some years. Robert's approach to landscaping is to mix natural landscapes with craft-based methods to create unique results. These methods earned him the nickname The Landscape Artist. |
