Architecture is most often celebrated for its affecting designs and visionary architects, and not for the materials and hands that bring these ideas to life. STONE-WORK, a five-year project, funded by a European Research Council Advanced grant, aims to shift the spotlight to the untold story of stone – a journey from quarry to building site that highlights the essential roles of craftsmen, communities, and materials in the creation of architecture.

STONE-WORK proposes that every building is the result of a complex chain of actions involving many contributors, from quarrymen and suppliers to stonemasons and carvers. By tracing the path of stone from raw material to architectural elements – walls, floors, columns, and more – this research reveals the intricate web of skills, techniques, and collaborations that make construction possible.

Bringing together experts in architecture, craft history, and geology, STONE-WORK offers the first comprehensive look at how stone shaped the classical architecture of eighteenth-century Britain and Ireland. This project is a deep dive into the heart of architectural production, exploring how the relationship between material, design, and craftsmanship influenced not just individual buildings, but the communities that built them.