Home > Publications > Sectorwide > October 2009 > Sandstone craftsmanship on show

QBuild stonemasons Cameron Todd and Robert Sharpe at the Public Works Ekka display. Photos by Michael Marston.

Robert Sharpe works on a Q150 memento at the 2009 Brisbane Ekka.

Q150 sandstone sculpture on display at the 2009 Brisbane Ekka.

Sandstone craftsmanship on show

A Q150 sandstone sculpture crafted by Department of Public Works' QBuild stonemasons was on show at the 2009 Ekka.

The sculpture was made out of reclaimed original sandstone from Parliament House and a quarry from Stanwell, west of Rockhampton.

QBuild (external site) stonemason Cameron Todd, who has worked for QBuild for nine years, was at the Ekka demonstrating his skills.

Cameron said the Queensland-shaped sculpture took five days to make. 'It's a good piece that presents very well. We're always happy to show Ekka crowds just what we are able to create.'

The sculpture will be permanently located in Brisbane at a location yet to be decided.

In Queensland's early colonial days, major buildings were made from stone. The Department of Public Works was involved in their construction until the 1930s, when other building materials became popular.

Today, QBuild employs six stonemasons and two apprentices. They use their time-honoured skills to restore and preserve Queensland's heritage buildings.

Many of these buildings can be enjoyed by taking a walk through Brisbane city. The Colonial Brisbane Heritage Walk (external site) showcases several heritage-listed sandstone buildings in George and William Streets, including the Old Treasury Building (Treasury Casino), the Commissariat Store and Parliament House.

October 2009

Sandstone craftsmanship on show

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