Model of Chichester Cathedral created out of stone

A stonemason has created a replica of Chichester Cathedral.
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Kevin Hughes, of H&H Quality Stoneware based in Draper’s Yard, Chichester, took 150 hours to create the basic model of the cathedral.

The more detailed constructions including sculptures can take thousands of hours.

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He said: “The most important part was scaling the cathedral to one in ten size on the drawing board.

Kevin with the modelKevin with the model
Kevin with the model

“Once this had been achieved I made templates of each individual section then applied the templates to the stone so that they could be cut.

“The stone was cut into thin scants and then drilling, sanding, filing and chiselling stone could commence. The items were then glued together into their sections so that they could be assembled as one. The stone used was French lime stone called Caen which is used on the cathedral with other French lime stones, which were also used on the Chichester Cross .

“There has been a wow factor as people walk past and they have asked to come and view and ask questions.”

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Kevin has been self employed since 1979 after he finished his apprenticeship with Cathedral Works in Terminus Road.

He said: “I have carried out restoration since 1979 inclusive of making stones in the workshop to installing on site. I’ve also carried out sculpture work to the Chichester Cross as well as working on the Cathedral.

“The most memorable works that I have carried out was on the Houses of Parliament in 1990s.”

The idea to recreate the cathedral came when Kevin was looking for something different to do since opening the shop and had always admired the beauty of the cathedral.

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He said: “Our work is from commissions and sales from the shop so I am always working and producing items to order.

“However, I am now considering making a scaled model of the Chichester Cross.”

For more information, visit handhqualitystoneware.com

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