Banker masonry, a dying art in Aotearoa
Banker masonry is a traditional and highly-skilled form of stone masonry that specialises in the shaping, carving, and detailing of stonework in construction projects. Unlike rough stone masonry, which involves the basic laying of stone, banker masonry focuses on precision and artistry. The term “banker” refers to the work done at a “bank,” which historically was a workbench where masons would shape and cut their stones. Banker masons have played a vital role in the creation of many of Canterbury’s more ornate buildings, bridges, and monuments, and they continue to be valued for their part in restoring many of these important heritage buildings after the devastation of the 2011 earthquakes.
A brief history of the craft
The roots of banker masonry date back to ancient times when skilled artisans shaped stone for both structural and decorative purposes. In the Middle Ages, stone was the primary building material for all substantial construction projects, in particular, castles and cathedrals. During this time banker masonry evolved as a distinct trade, as stone masons honed their skills working at large benches or platforms, where they could more easily carve and shape their intricate designs.
During the Gothic period, from the 12th to the 16th century, the demand for highly detailed stone carvings, in particular for cathedrals, led to the real refinement of bank masonry. The highly-skilled masons of this era would carve delicate figures, intricate patterns, and detailed columns that would become the hallmarks of this style (Christchurch’s most well-known example of Gothic architecture being, of course, our now-defunct Cathedral).
As stonework advanced over the centuries, banker masonry continued to evolve alongside every architectural style, always learning and adapting to new building trends and techniques.
Not a skill you can learn overnight
Becoming a banker mason requires both formal and hands-on training, and it is considered a specialist trade within the wider masonry field. Training typically involves an apprenticeship, where individuals work under the supervision of experienced craftsmen, and it takes many years for the apprentice to master both the technical aspects of stone cutting and the artistic side of carving and detailing stonework.
A successful banker mason also needs to be skilled in reading architectural blueprints and understanding the specific requirements of each project, so attention to detail, patience, and precision are key traits for anyone looking to enter the field.
A banker mason apprentice will learn to work with various types of stone, including limestone, sandstone, and marble, developing a keen eye for detail, symmetry, and proportion in the process. They are taught how to use traditional tools such as chisels, mallets, and hammers, in conjunction with modern equipment like diamond-tipped saws and grinders.
During the course of their training apprentice banker masons will gradually develop a deep understanding of the properties of different stones, learning which materials are best suited for particular types of work, and it is this kind of expertise that makes these specialist stoneworkers invaluable for heritage restoration projects.
Fortunately for the trade thus far, New Zealand’s – and in particular, Christchurch’s – colonial history, with our unusually high number of Victorian and Edwardian buildings, has seen a need for the retention of skilled stone carvers. The 2011 earthquakes rendered a number of our most important heritage structures unstable, unusable, and in many cases, dangerous to the general public, and the handful of remaining banker masons that reside in New Zealand have been integral to their preservation and restoration.
Unfortunately, with only a handful of specialists remaining in the field, and with many traditional skills being lost to modern construction methods, it is unlikely that this particular craft will still be around in fifty years’ time unless a concerted effort is made to return to using stone in construction.
The team at Oamaru Stone have been working closely with Canterbury banker masons on a number of heritage restoration projects in the South Island over the last decade, and they derive immense satisfaction from collaborating with artisans who appreciate stone for its elegant, timeless beauty, durability, and versatility.
If you’ve been thinking about incorporating 100% pure organic limestone into your next building project, give us a call today on 03 4331134 or email sales@oamarustone.co.nz.