This interdisciplinary conference will bring together geologists, architectural historians, and historians to explore the complex processes of stone sourcing and supply that shaped eighteenth-century architectural production. Topics will include quarrying techniques and supply chains, the working lives of quarrying communities, and the role of stone merchants in Britain, Ireland, and international trade. Additionally, we will examine transportation practices, archival challenges, and the broader influence of stone sourcing on urban and regional identity.

Professor Christine Casey will deliver her Inaugural Lecture entitled ‘The wisdom of hands: craft practice in architecture’.

This symposium seeks to deepen the understanding of the 'professional worlds' surrounding architectural ornament by bridging two rich but traditionally separate fields of research: the history of ornament and the study of professions associated with architecture and construction. With a focus on craftspeople and professional practices, contributions will explore the diversity of ornamental roles, the dynamics of production chains, and the movement of individuals, techniques, and materials across regions and periods. Spanning from the 18th century to the 2010s, and drawing from diverse geographical and cultural contexts, this symposium promises to illuminate the evolving intersections of artistry, craftsmanship, and professional identity in architectural ornamentation.