American Projects

I was invited by the Dry Stone Conservancy on three separate occasions to assist with their work on the following projects in the USA.  The mission of the Kentucky-based Dry Stone Conservancy is to preserve historic American drystone structures and to revive and promote the ancient craft of dry-laid stone masonry.

Summer 2001

Working alongside colleagues Neil Rippingale and David Sinclair from Scotland on Conservancy-sponsored projects:

  • To re-align and rebuild 1,700 linear feet of historic Rock Fence on KY Highway 52 at the Allen Curve in Danville, Kentucky.
  • To provide advanced training to craftsmen who want to upgrade their skills to Certified Dry Stone Masons.
  • To teach workshops for locals who were interested in the craft.
     

September 2006

My second visit to the US, working alongside my colleague Neil Rippingale, the Conservancy’s Training Program Manager, on the following activities.

  • Teaching workshops at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill in Kentucky and Rolling Rock Building Stone Quarry in Pennsylvania.
  • Judging the Conservancy’s 3rd Annual Drystone Walling Competition at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill in Kentucky.
  • Assessment for the Conservancy’s Professional Drystone Mason Certification Program.
  • Assisting with building the Conservancy’s Drystone Foot Bridge at Rolling Rock Building Stone Quarry in Pennsylvania

The Conservancy’s Foot Bridge was part of a Memorial Garden built in memory of Homer Weller of Rolling Rock.  The Garden was a joint project with Rolling Rock Building Stone, Dry Stone Conservancy and local craftsmen who new Mr Weller.

September 2007

Once again, working alongside my colleague Neil Rippingale on the following Conservancy-sponsored projects. 

  • To teach a workshop for locals who were interested in the craft.
  • Judging the Conservancy’s 4th Annual Drystone Walling Competition at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill in Kentucky.
  • Assessment work for the Conservancy’s Professional Drystone Mason Certification Program.

 

Further information on these projects please visit www.drystone.org

   shaker villagerolling rock