Robin W.Golden-Hann - Inscriptions in Stone, Plaques, Memorials, Carving, Sculpture, Masonry, Sign Writing, Restoration advice, Consultation.

Robin became interested in stone carving from his early childhood. “Having grown up in Wells, Somerset, I could see the magnificent Cathedral from my bedroom window, looking back now I realise that it had a profound impact on my aesthetic subconscious.”

The fact he would become a stone-carver came as revelation, a ‘road to Damascus moment’.
“I was looking for direction, a sense of purpose, and happened to be in the public library in Chelmsford, when I came across a small book entitled ‘Careers in Crafts’. The book fell open at the page headed ‘stone masonry’ and I knew in that instance that I had found my vocation.”

He went on to study architectural stonemasonry, carving and letter-cutting at Weymouth College in 1990.
Whilst at Weymouth he was introduced to the art of letter-cutting through the then tutor Andrew Whittle. His influence and inspiration helped Robin eventually secure a place at the prestigious ‘Kindersley’ workshop in Cambridge, where his lettering skills were fine-honed by David and Lida Kindersley. The late David Kindersley was unquestionably a master of his art, arguably one of the finest lettering artists of the late 20th Century, “working there and being taught by David was probably the best instruction in lettering I could ever have had.

Robin went on to Salisbury in 1996 in order to work on the restoration of the West Front of Salisbury cathedral, an opportunity not to be missed.
There he was also the head letter-cutter and eventually became the head-carver. During his time at the cathedral Robin maintained a steady stream of private lettering commissions, eventually deciding that it was time to set up his own workshop so that he could concentrate full-time on letter-cutting and sculptural work.

“I’ve always tried to gain as much experience in as many aspects of stone-carving as I possibly could, working in different styles, different stones, never being afraid to experiment whilst at the same time never loosing sight of the strict classical training that is the foundation of my work.”

Memorial work though has a special interest for him. “Helping someone come to terms with their bereavement by creating a truly unique, personal monument to the deceased is a very gratifying experience. People often have a clear idea of what they don’t want and a vague idea of what they do. It is my pleasure to help people realise their ideas, to make their dreams three dimensional; set in stone”.

Training:
1990-1991 Weymouth College - architectural masonry and stone carving.
1993-1996 David Kindersley’s workshop Cambridge –
architectural and memorial lettering.

Work history:
1991-1992 Hibbitt and sons, ecclesiastical and monumental masons, Cambridge.
1992-1993 Czech Republic – restoration of medieval cathedral in the city of Kolin
1993-1996 David Kindersley workshop, Cambridge – lettering and carving, public
and private commissions.
Since 1996- Salisbury Cathedral – masonry and carving restoration to the West front,
restoration of cloister monument inscriptions and various outside
contracts for carving and lettering.
Since 2005 – head carver at Salisbury Cathedral
April 2006- Established own studio at ‘Project Workshops’ near Andover.

Selected Exhibitions:
With David Kindersley workshop- Cork Street Gallery
Fisherton mill – Touch stone exhibition 1997
Lettering exhibition – Wolseley fine arts Ltd London 1999

Work in collection of:
Sir Christopher Bland
London Oratory School
Salisbury Cathedral – memorial ledger stone for Sir Edward Heath

Selected Public works:
The British Museum
Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art
Cambridge Country Park
Cambridge University
New Forest
Salisbury Cathedral – restoration and carvings

TV appearances – Jonathan Meads - Abroad again in Britain