'Fantastic creatures' to take shape in stone

"Fantastic creatures" will take shape from blocks of stone at a festival in Dover later this month.

Dragons, lions and gargoyles will be carved by stonemasons from the UK and France as part of the Stone Masonry Festival at the Maison Dieu, also known as Dover Town Hall, from 23 to 25 May.

The designs are inspired by animals found in the building's decorative schemes, including its carved stonework and stained glass.

Organisers said the event aimed to showcase the ancient art of stone masonry while giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about Dover's history.

Among those taking part, Carrie Horwood, from Kent, will carve a dog chasing its tail inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry.

Gayle Lazda, from London, will carve a dolphin, while Emily Guest and Alex Jubb, also from London, will work together on a lion with its tongue sticking out. Candida Wright, from Kent, will carve St Martin, patron saint of Dover, on horseback.

All three carvings have been inspired by images from stained glass.

Marguerite Le Brusque, from France, will carve a dragon inspired by features in the Connaught Hall.

Adam Billaut, from France, will carve a fantastical animal and Thomas Kenrick, from Loughborough, will take his inspiration from a dragon grotesque on a parapet.

As well as watching the creatures emerge, visitors will be able to try hands-on activities including stone carving, chalk carving and stone rubbing.

There will also be creative workshops, geology tours and family-friendly activities across the weekend at the event organised by the Maison Dieu and Cats Eye Carving and other partners.

Each stonemason will work on a piece of recycled stone from the Maison Dieu, with finished pieces to be judged by the public and fellow stonemasons, and the winners announced at the end of the festival.

The free event will take place at the Maison Dieu and nearby Biggin Hall, and there will be an opportunity to visit St Edmund's Chapel and St Mary's Church, where alabaster plaques have been conserved.

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