The Opening of Our State-of-the-Art Interiors Workshop
The Opening of Our State-of-the-Art Interiors Workshop On October 3rd, 2024, AFJones Stonemasons celebrated an exciting milestone with the opening of our new, state-of-the-art interiors workshop in Ipsden, Oxfordshire. The occasion brought together architects, contractors, interior designers, clients, and friends of the business to toast the future of stonemasonry with cocktails, live music, and a […]
Cantilever Stone Staircases – How do they work?
A cantilever staircase is one where the solid stone steps (also known as treads) are embedded into a supporting wall on one end, with the other end ‘free’, visible and seemingly floating: the treads are said to be ‘cantilevered’ from the wall. There are several very good reasons why this form of staircase is […]
21st Century Stonemasonry – Arts, Crafts & Technology
The debate about the influence of increasing technology and mechanisation, and whether it detracts from the arts and crafts aspects of stonemasonry, is ever present and will continue forever. With five generations of continuous operation spanning three centuries, A F Jones Stonemasons have a perspective on this issue that few others can boast. Even […]
Heritage Stonemasonry: Three aspects to consider when setting scope on heritage projects
Heritage Stonemasonry: establishing the broad scope of your project at an early stage is essential. Steve Byrne, Master Mason and estimator at AF Jones Stones Heritage on the three simple questions that can help define your direction the start of a stone heritage project.
Stone Sourcing and Selection: The number one question about stone as a natural product
Richard Thompson, our Design Lead and CAD Technician talks through one of the early stage issues for specifiers and architects to cover in their project planning and design process – and why it’s important to talk to a stonemason at the earliest of stages for more effective design choices using natural stone.
Time and Detail: Why these are two key factors when planning a heritage stonemasonry project
Steve Byrne, Master Mason and Senior Estimator at AF Jones outlines why working with new techniques and methods alongside old skills and installations means paying careful attention to timescales and detail – and demands a thorough understanding of the unique nature of each building requiring work, care and attention.