York Minster sells off masonry

Stone from the Minster could make an unusual garden feature

York Minster is to auction off pieces of masonry removed from the building during recent restoration work.

The stones are being sold to raise additional funds for the continuing conservation programme at the cathedral.

Auction lots will include a variety of pieces of masonry from complex tracery panels to smaller stones featuring simpler details.

The stone auction takes place at the Minster on February 16 2011.

During stonework restoration projects on the fabric of the Minster it is often necessary to replace decayed or unsound material.

It isn't always possible to remove complete stones but some are removed in one piece and over many years a large number have been collected and put into storage.

All material removed is recorded for the Minster's records and a number of pieces are retained because they are considered important in the archaeological history of the building.

Garden features

There isn't enough room to store every stone taken off the building, so the surplus ones are to be auctioned off.

Minster staff say that larger stones could be used as stand-alone garden features, or used to enhance a garden pond or rockery.

Some pieces could be used indoors as bases for table lamps or just as ornaments.

Buyers will be provided with a brief description and a certificate which will explain the background to the stone.

All proceeds from the sale will go towards the current programme of conservation and restoration at York Minster.