LOOK TO THE ROCK - QUARRYMAN STORIES
Portland Sculpture & Quarry Trust, supported by a Historic England Everyday Heritage grant is running a community programme to celebrate working class histories - exploring untold stories of people and places at the heart of Portland’s Quarrying History.
This a great opportunity for all ages to share their memories and recollections by creating Podcasts, Video Reels, Short Films with creative professionals in filmaking, sound recording, music composition, creative writing, and visual story telling.
Ralph Stone the last quarry boy on the island who is using the tools that are in the portland sculpture and quarry collection from many of the quarry families on Portland.
ACTIVITIES
And illustrated talk by Ralph Stone
Vídeo podcasts
Ralph Stone, last of the 'quarry boys' recalls his lifetime of quarrying stone on Portland - from the traditional hand skills to changing technologies and the twin traditions of the quarrymen of both quarrying and fishing. They knew the sea and powerful tides and worked with the geology of the island to extract the stone by hand.
Les Jolliffe - Retired stonemason talks about his working life in the stone industry on Portland - the people he knew, the places he worked in and some of the buildings he helped to make the stones for. He also describes the working routine in the mason's shop and the hand tools that he used.
Linda speaks of her uncle Peter with a kind of quiet reverence—“a man shaped by stone,” she often says.
Steve Wills - in conversation with Hannah Sofaer, reflections on growing up around the quarries of Portland and his working life transporting the stone.
Rediscovering Portland Quarryman Hiram Otter, and his legacy of Hallelujah Bay.
Quarryman, Stephen Flew in conversation with Hannah Sofaer about his working life.
Radio 107.2 interview with Ralph Stone, Quarryman, re the return to Portland of a Portland Stone Archway from 81 Fleet Street. Gifted by The City Of London Corporation to the Memory Stones Green Corridor Project.
Peter Pangbourne talks about his family connections with the history of stone masonry industry on Portland - spanning several generations, with some surprising stories along the way.
Weymouth and Portland AIR 107.2 interview
Emma go to speak to Hannah and Paul at Portland Quarry Trust and Sculpture Park the new project needs the help of the local community 'Look to the Rock' is an amazing creative opportunity for more information
Podcasts from the Living Land Archive
Overview: George Davey reflects on traditional masonry techniques, emphasizing the importance of rhythm, tool handling, and the differences in working with various types of stone.
Key points:
- The significance of rhythm in masonry work, aided by singing to maintain flow and efficiency.
- The contrast between past and present working conditions, particularly with the introduction of pneumatic tools and their impact on health.
- George’s experiences with different types of stone, specifically Portland stone and gritstone, and the associated health risks.
Cobra Café and Atlantic Academy
As part of the launch for Portland & Weymouth Towns of Culture 2025 - Portland Sculpture & Quarry Trust introduces Portland's young talented musicians #atlanticacademyportland performing with COBRA CAFE in 'Look to the Rock - Quarrymen's Stories' funded by #historicengland @Everyday Heritage celebrating Portland's Working Class Histories
Children’s Stone Carving Workshops with Authentic Education
