The Agony and the Ecstasy My Life As a Stonemason
The Agony and the Ecstasy My Life As a Stonemason by John Hopkins is a memoir published by Xlibris Corporation LLC in June 2013. This 98-page book recounts the author’s life journey, beginning with his childhood in a poverty-stricken family in Bristol during the early 1930s. As the economy improved, so did his circumstances, leading to significant experiences that shaped his career as a stonemason and alabaster worker, including his time in the armed forces.
In this edition, readers will find a detailed account of Hopkins’ transformation from a young boy with limited resources to a respected figure in the stone industry. He shares stories of his professional achievements, including his role as the National President of the Association of Natural Stone Industries and his interactions with notable figures such as Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth. The narrative also highlights his contributions to the restoration of historical buildings and churches, as well as his insights into the craft of stonemasonry, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with blacksmiths. This book offers a unique perspective on the art and craft of stonework, intertwined with personal anecdotes and reflections on a life well-lived.
Official synopsis Publisher
This is the true story of my life, born into a family who lived in poverty on the edge of Bristol. In the early 1930’s the economy of England started to improve. This improved my life in that I had my own pair of shoes to wear and some new clothes instead of hand me downs but never enough food. I relate some of my experiences as a child and teenager, then my Stonemasonry story. My career in the armed forces in England and Malaya. When I entered the army I was 5foot 4 inches tall. Upon de-mobilisation I had grown to 6foot 3 inches due to being fed properly. I trained as an Alabaster worker and Stonemason. I finally was made the National President of the Association of Natural Stone Industries. This gave me the great honour of sitting down to a banquet with Prince Charles. I also had the privilege of meeting Princess Margaret, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and Her majesty our present Queen. During my lifetime I have repaired many grand edifices and many Churches. It has been my good fortune to learn that from Saxon times onwards Stonemasons could do better work when their tools were made for them by Blacksmiths. This knowledge eluded most Masons but helped make me a much respected restorer in all periods of construction. I was appointed a lecturer at Bristol University and the Orton Trust in Northamptonshire. This was my real rags to riches story.
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