Monday 14 November 2022
A stone owl crafted by Moulton College student Louise Regan is to be exhibited at a prestigious London gallery, having been specially selected by a judging panel.
‘Cyril’ will take pride of place at this year’s annual exhibition of stonemasonry and stone carving at the Fitzrovia-based Gallery Different, which is renowned for showcasing contemporary art and sculpture. The event runs from 15 - 20 November 2022, with proceeds going to the Worshipful Company of Mason’s Craft Fund. The not-for-profit organisation supports the training of stonemasons and enables the ancient craft to continue on into future generations.
Louise, 50, joined Moulton College in September 2021 and is currently undertaking Level 2 Stonemasonry. The college is one of only four in England that offers the heritage craft. Already an artist and illustrator, creative Louise had been considering studying stonemasonry for a few years before she finally took the plunge.
She says: “I had never done any work in 3D before I started the course at Moulton College. I really enjoy the variety on offer; as part of my studies, I can ‘free carve’ stone and also undertake more formal architectural stonemasonry, which has to be very exact and precise.”
Louise, who carved ‘Cyril’ the owl from York stone over a five-week period, was also chosen by the college to design and carve a stone paperweight for HRH The Duke of Gloucester when he visited Moulton last summer. She was also invited to join a fellow stonemasonry student and Moulton College CEO and Principal, Corrie Harris, at a recent Association of Colleges skills event held at the House of Lords.
Following her exhibition success, Louise is already looking ahead to pursuing a career in stonemasonry when she leaves college. She adds: “I love visiting historic buildings to look at the intricate stonework. It’s incredible to think I am studying a craft carried out by centuries of stonemasons before me. Stonemasonry is an important skill that should be retained and supported as much as possible to help us preserve the country’s history.”
We are delighted that Louise’s work has been recognised in this way. She’s an extremely talented student and her work is an example of just how important it is to be able to run skills-based courses in heritage crafts.
Find out more about our Stonemasonry courses
Cyril - the owl sculptured by Stonemasonry student Louise Regan
Louise Regan and Lucy Newlyn (stonemasonry students) with Principal & CEO Corrie Harris at the AoC Parliamentary Reception
Louise Regan with the stone paperweight she carved for HRH The Duke of Gloucester
