The Dumfries Stonecarving Project is looking for volunteers to help rediscover lost stories about the town’s beautiful buildings, and the people who made them. The project seeks to uncover the hidden histories behind the decorative sandstone carvings which can be seen all over the town centre, and will be documenting the whole journey of local sandstone – from quarries to completed buildings.
The project will also be interviewing local people whose family history is connected with these important histories. The project team is keen to hear from people who have worked in local quarries, or who have experience with masonry or designing stonework, like draftsmen or architects.
The project is run by the Dumfries Historic Buildings Trust and is working in partnership with Dumfries & Galloway Local Archives, searching for information about those involved in the once-booming stonecarving industry.
Volunteers are being sought to help interview local people (by collecting oral histories), and/or to explore the archives. Full training and support will be given, making the task equally suitable for novices and for those with experience.
Tara S. Beall, Project Lead for Dumfries Stonecarving said, “We’re looking for volunteers who might enjoy burrowing into archives and learning how to follow the thread of a story. We’re also looking for people who want to learn how to interview local people, and highlight Dumfries’ important heritage. This is a great way to start the new year, trying something new and learning new skills. There’s great satisfaction when you uncover something that’s lain hidden in the archives, which can then be shared with the wider world”.
The information gathered will help highlight the town’s rich heritage of sandstone carving. It will be made available online and will also form part of a special exhibition at Dumfries Museum in the summer of 2019. The Dumfries Stonecarving Project has been made possible thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and The Holywood Trust.
People interested in volunteering with the research and interviewing should contact the project team at [email protected] or call 07936 800189.
About DHBT
Dumfries Historic Buildings Trust aims to advance heritage by preserving and restoring buildings of particular beauty or of historic or architectural significance; and to increase awareness, appreciation, and education relating to the architectural heritage of Dumfries and Galloway. Dumfries Historic Buildings Trust is a Company Limited by Guarantee with Charitable Status Registered in Scotland.
About the Heritage Lottery Fund
Thanks to National Lottery players, we invest money to help people across the UK explore, enjoy and protect the heritage they care about – from the archaeology under our feet to the historic parks and buildings we love, from precious memories and collections to rare wildlife.
For further information contact
Stonecarving Project line 07936 800189 or Dumfries Historic Buildings Trust (main) 01387 259338
www.dumfriestrust.org.uk/stonecarving
Twitter – @StonecarvingD Facebook – StonecarvingDumfries
