Rachael Wragg, Stonemason AKA The Ginger Mason
Around The World: UK
Rachael Wragg celebrates Women in Trade Day (Worldwide) holding her stone saw.
WITDW: Briefly tell us about your tool, how important it is. Why and when you use it?
Rachael: This is a steel stone saw made in the UK. Alot of people don't realise you can cut limestone with hand saws almost as easily as wood! Sure it's slower than an electric grinder but there is less dust, it's safer and we love to use hand tools to keep the craft as authentic to the medieval process in our workshop.
WITDW: How will you be celebrating the day?
Rachael: I think Instagram has created an amazing community of supportive women in different trades, and will be celebrating by sharing the work of all the women I admire and encouraging others to do the same.
WITDW: What tips can you give to someone wishing to get into your trade?
Rachael: Reach out to conservation companies or cathedrals and stately homes. We have a lot of built heritage in the UK and they all need preserving, so masons are always needed! You need lots of patience and ideally a passion for the craft and the history.
Instagram @thegingermason