Wates’ Restoration of Norman Shaw North Featured on Bill Bailey’s Master Crafters with Stonemason Spotlighted
Wates’ Restoration of Norman Shaw North Featured on Bill Bailey’s Master Crafters with Stonemason Spotlighted
Wates’ continued work on the parliamentary estate will be spotlighted on Bill Bailey’s Master Crafters Show tonight, which features our Grade I Listed refurbishment of the Norman Shaw North building.
Emily Guest, an Improver Stonemason, who works for Wates supply chain partner Stonewest, was one of the junior crafters who took part in the show, which is now in its third season.
Each series delves into heritage crafts at danger of being lost and shows the next generation of crafters who are taking up the mantle.
During the season, Bill Bailey joins 12 junior crafters starting their career in their chosen fields, as they are given the opportunity to expand their heritage skills through bespoke masterclasses with a Master Crafter.
Tonight’s episode will focus on Emily, who recently became a qualified heritage stonemason, after completing her apprenticeship with Wates’ supply chain partner Stonewest, while working at Norman Shaw North. Her qualification combined specialist banker, fixer and restoration masonry skills.
It’s not often that someone like me, in the infancy of their career, gets to sample such a variety of activities. I learnt so much and cherish the connections I made with peers and the master crafters. Being part of the restoration of Norman Shaw North is a huge privilege and a fantastic opportunity to develop my skills.”
Emily Guest
Improver Stonemason
Norman Shaw North is the only Grade I Listed building on the parliamentary estate other than the Palace of Westminster. Wates is currently carrying out vital refurbishment works onsite, including extensive upgrades both internally and externally.
It’s fantastic to see Emily featured on Master Crafters, showcasing the rich tradition of heritage craftsmanship. This highlights the commitment of Wates and our supply chain partners, like Stonewest, to fostering the next generation of skilled professionals, ensuring these vital heritage skills continue to thrive in construction. It’s projects like Norman Shaw North that enable this to happen.”
Chris Wright
Wates Norman Shaw North Project Director
The episode airs tonight on Sky Arts at 8pm.
