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Monumental Mason

A mason who specialises in making monuments.

Monument

A building or structure, a stone, pillar or megalith erected in memory of a dead person or of a past event.

The top few feet of the 151 ft tall Nelson's Column in Trafalgar square, London UK.

As far as architecture goes probably the most famous building in the world would be the Taj Mahal, in Agra, India. It is known as a mausoleum being the resting place of a favourite wife Shah Jahan. In other words it is a monument to the memory of a person.

The photo above of the top the granite column was built to commemorate the British admiral and the naval victory at the battle of Trafalgar. It was built in 1840-43.

Any large monument is the result of the labour of many people. The designer in this case was Sir William Railton and the Sculptor of the stone figure was E.H. Baily. In addition to the work of monumental masons there would have been the artists and craftsmen who made the bronze capital at the top of the column and the bronze panels and statues at the base of the structure.

In any measure of craftsmanship the masons who work on projects like these would have to be the top of the tree. In many cases the line between craft and art are hard to separate.

Above is a similar memorial to a great man. The monument to Oliver Cromwell built in the early years of the 20Th century that stands in front of a building of note, Westminster Hall. Built in the 13Th century it is part of the larger Houses of Parliament complex in London UK.

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"What can be added to the happiness of a man who is in health, out of debt, and has a clear conscience?
Adam Smith 1723-1790

"When we build, let us think that we build for ever."John Ruskin 1819-1900