Imagine a world where every stone tells a story—where history isn’t just read in books, but felt in the walls of ancient cathedrals. Now meet Charlie Gee, a 22-year-old stonemason who’s bringing that world to life. With a chisel in hand and a passion for the past, Charlie works on some of England’s most famous buildings, like York Minster. His story is one of hard work, creativity, and a love for keeping old things beautiful. In an exclusive conversation with Art Tellers, Charlie Gee shared his journey as a stonemason…Let’s dive into the journey of a young man who’s shaping history, one stone at a time.
A Journey That Started with a Chisel
Charlie Gee didn’t stumble into stonemasonry—he was born into it. Growing up in Bath, England, and later Tuscany, Italy, he was surrounded by stunning landscapes and old buildings. His dad, a stonemason, showed him the ropes early on. “I’d watch him fix up historic places,” Charlie says, “and I’d play with his tools.” That curiosity turned into something bigger when, at 18, he started an apprenticeship at York Minster—a massive cathedral that’s been standing for centuries.
There, Charlie learned how to carve stone into delicate shapes, like the fancy patterns you see in old church windows. “It’s tricky work,” he admits. “One slip, and you’ve got to start over.” But he stuck with it, and soon his carvings became part of the cathedral’s history. For Charlie, that’s the magic of his job—adding his touch to something that’s been around longer than anyone can remember.
Bringing Old Stones Back to Life
Charlie doesn’t just carve new stones—he fixes the old ones, too. “I try to keep as much of the original as I can,” he explains. When a piece is too worn to save, he makes a new one that looks just like the first, right down to the tiny marks left by masons hundreds of years ago. “Every stone has its own personality,” he says, “and I want to respect that.”
His work is slow and careful, almost like he’s having a conversation with the past. “I feel connected to the people who built these places,” he says. And when you see his finished pieces—smooth, strong, and full of detail—you can tell he’s not just fixing history, he’s honoring it.
Hands Over Machines
Today, machines can cut stone faster than ever. But Charlie believes there’s no substitute for doing it by hand. “A machine can’t feel the stone the way a person can,” he says. Sure, technology helps with the heavy lifting, but the real beauty comes from the human touch—the little quirks and imperfections that make each piece special.
The job isn’t easy, though. It’s tough on the body, and breathing in stone dust is no picnic. Still, Charlie loves it. “When I’m carving, time just flies,” he says. For him, it’s not just about the end result—it’s about the joy of making something with his own hands.
Sharing the Craft with the World
Charlie’s talent isn’t stuck in the past—he’s sharing it online, too. On Instagram, where he has almost 1.8 Million+ followers, he posts videos of his work. You can watch his chisel dance across the stone, turning rough blocks into art. “I want people to see how much effort goes into this,” he says. “And maybe feel a little closer to history.”
His posts are like windows into a slower, more thoughtful world. They remind us that some things—like a perfectly carved stone—are worth waiting for.
What’s Next for Stonemasonry?
Charlie thinks stonemasonry has a bright future. “People are getting curious about old crafts again,” he says, thanks in part to social media. He’s excited to teach others what he knows, keeping the tradition alive. “If we don’t pass it on, it’ll fade away,” he warns. With his skill and energy, Charlie’s making sure that doesn’t happen.
Charlie Gee is more than a stonemason—he’s a storyteller, a history keeper, and an artist. Through his work, he’s showing us that the past isn’t gone; it’s all around us, waiting to be cared for. Whether he’s carving at York Minster or sharing his craft online, Charlie’s proving that some things never go out of style—like the quiet power of a job done right.
Charlie Gee: Instagram | Facebook | Tik Tok | Youtube
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