Pippa Unwin

My career has been quite varied – I have been 1st mate on a 49’ yacht, worked for the RSPCA, written and illustrated children’s books and painted scenery for Salisbury Playhouse, but I've always been fascinated with stone and carving. At school in Wells, I spent hours in the Cathedral, absorbed by the energy and humanity of the masons’ work. Later, married to a geologist, I learnt about the formation and structure of stone.

 I studied Stonemasonry at Bath College and have worked as a stonemason and carver since 2001, doing restoration, memorials and fireplaces and on pieces for Salisbury and Exeter cathedrals. I now work mainly on sculpture commissions in limestone, marble and alabaster. Having learnt the traditional skills from stonemasons, who treat the stone with respect and honesty, my work is practical and non sentimental.

I am inspired by art of different cultures, geometry and nature, but mostly carve the natural form – I enjoy trying to capture the animal’s individual character and spirit – discovering more about the stone itself, its limitations and possibilities. 

I now live and work in Aveton Gifford with my dog, Bonnie. Aveton Gifford was known historically as ‘the village of the masons’,  and my workshop stands on the 15th century stone bridge that spans the Avon, on the edge of the village.  I run stonecarving courses on request, but I’m always happy to see anyone who would like to call in on their way past!