From Quarry to Craft, with Emily Guest

Inside Park Lane Bathstone Quarry: Emily Guest Discovers How Natural Stone Supports Heritage Restoration

Emily Guest, Stonemason and former Stonewest Apprentice, is a committed advocate for the stone industry. She encourages others to explore careers in the sector, and inspires more women to get involved. “My advice for anyone interested – speak to stonemasons and hear their stories, speak to industry professionals, visit sites, see what it’s really like. You’ll be pleasantly surprised, it’s a really fun, interesting job”.

Exploring Park Lane Bath Stone Quarry: From Historic Workings to Modern Extraction

Emily recently joined WINS (Women in Natural Stone) for a unique, behind-the-scenes tour of Park Lane Bathstone Quarry, led by owner Rob Parker and Sales Director Ellie Parker. We talked to her about the experience.

Descending into the mine equipped with head torches and safety equipment, the group explored both historic and modern quarry workings, learning how Bath stone is extracted, processed and prepared before it reaches conservation, restoration and new build projects across the country.

“It was fascinating to see the care, expertise and planning that goes into producing quality Bath stone” explained Emily. “Understanding the journey from quarry to finished building gives you an even greater appreciation for the material.”

Among the highlights was seeing the contrast between centuries-old hand-worked areas of the mine and the specialist machinery used today. Historic pick marks remain visible in the stone, while modern extraction relies on precision cutting equipment, strict surveying and extensive safety systems.

The visit also offered an insight into the quarry’s approach to quality. After extraction, blocks are stored underground for three months before curing above ground for at least six months, allowing the stone’s natural cements to stabilise and ensuring the best possible performance for masons and builders.

Rather than simply returning surplus material underground, it is being repurposed for projects including agricultural applications, reflecting Rob’s ambition to make the operation more sustainable while maintaining a focus on producing high-quality Bath stone.

Why Stonemasonry Offers a Unique Career Path

“It really affirmed by choice to enter the stone industry” Emily added. “The thought and care that goes into restoring our heritage buildings is extraordinary, and it’s a privilege to work with the end product.”

For Emily, who first worked with Bath stone while training as a stonemason and has since used it on restoration projects, the visit was a valuable reminder of the skill, care and expertise behind every block.

“I believe more people would enjoy stonemasonry if they realised how interesting the industry really is. There’s history, engineering, craftsmanship and conservation all in one place.”

Many of Britain’s most important historic buildings rely on active quarries like this one for their continued conservation. Seeing the process first-hand reinforced the importance of preserving both the material and the knowledge needed to keep our built heritage alive for future generations.

Our thanks to WINS and Park Lane Bathstone Ltd for arranging this informative and inspiring day.

#Stonewest #NaturalStone #BathStone

For anyone interested in a career in stone, please visit the Stonewest careers page and get in touch.

Other useful links: Women in Natural Stone   Park Lane Bathstone Ltd