Geordie stonemasons carve lasting legacy

A North Shields-based stonemasonry firm is continuing a family tradition of craftsmanship.

Classic Masonry, led by managing director Mike Moody, has worked on Newcastle Civic Centre projects for three decades, following in the footsteps of Mike’s father, Terry, who undertook the first piece of work as a freelancer.

Terry originally carved over 26,000 letters and numbers onto the banqueting wall when the Civic Centre was opened by King Olav V of Norway in 1968, a building that replaced the Victorian Town Hall and quickly became a symbol of modernist architecture and civic pride.

Mike and senior stonemason Paul Bennett recently carried out precise lettering work on the Civic Centre, maintaining the firm’s long-standing connection to the city. 

The wall honours Freemen of the City, including Nelson Mandela, Sir Bobby Robson, Alan Shearer, Jackie Milburn and King Harald V of Norway, as well as the city’s former lord mayors, sheriffs and contributing sculptors and stone carvers.

Mike said: “It is a real privilege to continue a family tradition that stretches back decades and to contribute to something so deeply embedded in Newcastle’s history. 

“This project holds specific meaning for me, as my father carved many of the original inscriptions on the Civic Centre’s walls. 

“To now follow him and add to that legacy is something of which I am incredibly proud. 

“My son, Michael, who is 36, is carrying on the legacy, also, working in the business as an associate director, heading up our design department.

“It is not just about craftsmanship, it’s about honouring the legacy of those who have shaped the city, helped it prosper and added to the Geordie pride. 

“We are honoured to uphold the standards set by those before us and to continue Classic Masonry’s role in marking Newcastle’s historic milestones.”

Councillor Karen Kilgour, leader of Newcastle City Council, added: “The walls of the Civic Centre’s banqueting hall are steeped in history, forever recognising many of our city’s most distinguished residents who all helped shape Newcastle into what it is today.

“Classic Masonry has been a central character in the stories our history continues to tell, having made the first inscriptions during the Civic Centre’s construction and continuing to do so for decades since.

“My own father’s name, as a former lord mayor of Newcastle, is among the many notable figures to be inscribed there, and it always gives me an enormous sense of personal pride to see him represented there alongside so many who have played such important roles on behalf of our great city.

“It’s fantastic to see such a skilled, traditional craft continuing to be carried out today. 

“As one Geordie following in her father’s footsteps to another, I’d like to congratulate and thank Mike and all at Classic Masonry for their valued contributions to Newcastle over so many years.”

Newcastle Civic Centre

Founded in 1991, Classic Masonry specialises in stonemasonry and architectural precast concrete, delivering both new build and restoration projects. 

The firm, recognised as overall winner at the 2024 Natural Stone Awards for its Faith Museum work at Auckland Castle, continues to undertake a wide range of projects across the UK. 

Current commissions include stonemasonry for Rockliffe Hall Hotel, landscaping at Sunderland Riverside, restoration of period properties in North Shields and Darlington, precast concrete cladding to retail units in Islington, as well as landscaping at London’s Royal Festival Hall.

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