National Recognition for Hudson Stonework

[Hereford Voice]

Max and Simon in the Masons' Yard (2019)

Simon Hudson, of Hudson Stonework Ltd based in the Cathedral Close, has been awarded 'The Master Craftsman Certificate' by The Worshipful Company of Masons in 2021.

Simon in the Masons' Yard

With over two decades of working as stone mason and carver in Herefordshire, Simon’s work can be seen not just at Hereford Cathedral but also many churches and heritage sites within the county and further afield.

Hudson Stonework Ltd has been a resident of the Cathedral Close for ten years and its location means that the art of this traditional craft can be shared with all who pass by. The Masons’ Yard provokes much interest from visitors to the cathedral and it is not an uncommon sight to see Simon explaining his latest project or answering questions from those who have stopped to watch him at work.

Alongside his work Simon has shared his wealth of knowledge, gained over almost 40 years, and trained two apprentices who have both received national recognition as a result of his mentoring. Alec Curtis and Max Cotterill received The Journeyman Certificate and The Apprentice Certificate respectively from The Worshipful Company of Constructors in 2019, making this latest award a hat trick of success for the company.

l-r Simon Hudson, Alec Curtis, Mr Terry Withers FRICS & Max Cotterill c. Phil McCarthy receiving awards in 2019

The Revd Canon Andrew Piper, Precentor & Acting Dean at Hereford Cathedral, said, “The Chapter offers Simon our warmest congratulations on being awarded The Master Craftsman Certificate in recognition of his dedicated and exceptional work. It is a rare privilege for us to have such a skilled stonemason based in the Cathedral Close, and it is a pleasure to watch him practise and teach his craft on a daily basis. The work of Simon and his former apprentices can be seen on the cathedral and many churches across our diocese and beyond it: we all value their expertise, and we appreciate their friendliness and generosity in sharing their talent and enthusiasm with us. It is a delight to have Simon and his apprentices as part of our cathedral community.”

The Worshipful Company of Masons is number thirty in the order of precedence of the Ancient Livery Companies of the City of London, as set by the Aldermen of the City in 1515. Their focus is to preserve and encourage the use of natural stone in the built environment, including supporting the training of craftsmen as well as the preservation and appreciation of iconic historic stone buildings. The Worshipful Company of Masons is at the forefront of supporting the craft of stonemasonry in education and preservation.

 

[fandang0]

That's a lovely, heart warming piece; very well done Simon! I have often enjoyed passing by and seeing you work, but have alas never stopped to chat. It was also an excellent idea allowing you to work adjoining the cathedral as it adds to the ambience.

[Mick]

Well deserved, keep up with all the wonderful stone work