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Monumental Mason

Monumental masons carve or sandblast designs or letters into decorative granite or marble blocks called memorials, and set the memorials in place.

 

Tasks & duties

Monumental masons may do some or all of the following:

  • discuss, conceptualise and design memorials with customers
  • measure and mark out designs on stones
  • provide a full-size paper copy of the inscription and artwork to the client
  • computer cut stencils, or hand draw designs or lettering onto tape and cut out as marked
  • sandblast and paint or gild (paint with gold) areas that have been cut out
  • hand chisel letters in marble for leading (hand-beaten lead)
  • work with moulds for concrete and make bases for monuments
  • plaster and install bases
  • clean and renovate headstones, monuments, plaques and plastered concrete grave covers

 

Skills & knowledge

Monumental masons need to have:

  • knowledge of typefaces and lettering techniques
  • knowledge of painting and gilding
  • knowledge of computers and design programs
  • knowledge of safe work procedures
  • stoneworking skills such as sandblasting and working with plaster and concrete
  • good people and communications skills
  • an understanding of different cultures and their differing beliefs about death

 

Entry requirements

To become a qualified monumental mason, you need to complete an apprenticeship and gain a National Certificate in Monumental Masonry. For further information about apprenticeships contact the New Zealand Master Monumental Masons Association Inc.

 

Secondary education

There are no specific secondary education requirements, but School Certificate or NCEA equivalent is preferred. Useful subjects include art, graphics and design, woodwork and metalwork. 

 

Tertiary education

A pre-apprenticeship course, or a diploma/degree in graphic design is preferred to become a monumental mason.

 

Training on the job

Engraving skills are gained on the job under the supervision of an experienced monumental mason. 

 

Other requirements

The use of new technology, such as laser imaging and computer-cut graphics, has made the engraving process faster and more efficient. There is still the need for traditional skills but most monumental masonry work is done on computers, so monumental masons need to have computer and some graphic design skills.

 

Useful experience

Useful experience for monumental masons includes work as a signwriter, concrete worker, builder, plasterer or bricklayer, or work in the funeral industry. Computer experience is also very helpful.

 

Related courses

Bricklaying and Stonemasonry

 

For more information, please refer to Career Services.

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