What a great video James! 👏Your artistry always amazes me. 😀 There is something peaceful in watching you put together these inspiring works of art.🙌 You explained everything so well, very interesting! The music is beautiful too. You make it look so easy & yet the complexity is so obviously an art & a major undertaking! Thanks again! Kim 🇺🇲
I’m grateful that people are willing to invest in buildings like this to keep the skills alive. That was quite a demonstration of the craft, well done guys
God bless you stonemasons and your backs. All the brickies I’ve ever known have had to retire early; I can’t imagine the love it takes to do this dry stone work, instead of working with uniform bricks.
That’s what my father said. So I became a mason as he said he wished he had. What I can say is, most masons picked the wrong career. It’s dangerous, unhealthy, heavy work and as an old journeyman told me when I was an apprentice, “the novelty wears off”. Many years later my father asked what made me choose such a difficult trade. When I told him it was his idea he suggested he must have been drunk at the time. Thanks pop😂
That has to be the best video on workmanship I've seen in years James, the detail of the whole lot, chipping the stone, marrying the timber door frame to the stone. Fantastic workmanship lads.
One of the best things I have ever seen done. Thanks. I have seen and photographed many American Colonial dovecotes which were all in the upper story of a wooden barn. This freestanding stone version is an inspiration! Well done!
That type of building is definitely an accomplishment! I have always been fascinated by the dry stone technique. The doves will have no idea the planning that went into such a palace.
I hope you added a secret message/note somewhere inside the wall for future generations to find one day, I know as a builder from England now living in Canada, I do it on special project, it gives me a smile to imagine someone finding a secret piece of history I've hidden one day 🙂👍
What craftsman you guys are, spot on workmanship! My Grandfather was a master mason and I so wish I had paid more attention to his teachings when I was a lad😔
That’s an amazing job, I was a stone mason for many years until I retired. It still thrills me to see an exceptional rock job and you guys have done it, beautiful. (Old guy from Arkansas)🇺🇸
I was just about to ask about the arch and then you explained it perfectly. I was going to ask how will you be certain it will hold after taking away the supports. Also, doesn’t this make you even more appreciate all those dry stones walls that you see around the country side, imagine all the man hours put into them if you add it all up, it’s incredible
Im not so shocked by old walls and works of stone masonry. You have to remember that we have a different view and appreciation of time than our ancestors did even a few hundred years ago. Building stone walls and other structures was just one activity one could get up to between other things, like tending the fields and animals. No youtube to waste away your evenings, so might as well go deal with that pile of stones you picked out of the field while plowing.
Thanks Martin - we'll still be reliving this one in our latter years. Great to have your help on this project. Looking forward to the next one....whatever that may be 🤔
I absolutely love love love watching and knowing that this person is a REAL craftsmen in their field. If your ever lucky enough to watch a real craftsman, watch every step it’s a privilege!
Absolutely stunning work guys, you are a credit to the profession. I’ve spent my entire working life in the building trade and even I was amassed at the volume of stone this project took to complete. 100% brilliant ❤
James, this Dovecote is a triumph. I am so impressed how each stone fits together and creates such a beautiful building. It will be part of the landscape for many years to come. Martin, Findlay & Stevie should be very proud of their part in this project, they were working with a Master Craftsman.
In spite of what we all know about how a well built arch gets stronger as the weight comes on there is always that moment, when the formwork is removed, when somebody jokes about 'if the arch collapses'. My first arch was nowhere near as elegant but it is still standing 46 years later. Just a lovely piece of work to watch. Makes my old fingers twitch to be holding a walling hammer once again.
Beautiful work. It's amazing how these buildings go together & look so beautiful out of stone. They are such a work of art. Thanks for sharing with us.
1300 comments and 1300 hours to build. James, thanks for this. I have been watching dry stone wall construction vids for a few weeks now. This is SO far beyound that AND I had no clue this was even possible.
This is a super find of hotels to be sure. I think the people of the Greek Isles would argue where the finest is since they have some amazing over 2000 year old ones! But awesome
Sturdy, handsome, great lines, and well built....same goes for the Dovecot. 😉 Excellent work lads. This has to be the finest new dovecot built in decades. The attention to detail, appreciation for the stone (by way of sculpting each stone by hand), and cherishing the trade all came together to creating this stunning dovecot that is now a permanent fixture on the estate. So few of us will earn such an honor. Knowing the honor bestowed upon you, you continually express your gratitude throughoutthe video. Your expression of gratitude says it all; they made the right decision selecting you and the other lads to build this new landmark on the estate! Comgratulations on this massive accomplishment. Bravo mate....Bravo. Cheers!
i worked as a stone mason for many years so I really enjoyed you video I'm impressed with the centre stone on the arch how you shaped the next stone above, really good work lads ,
With each new piece of artwork I think ‘this is the best, then the next piece is more majestic than before’. Your attention to detail and precision are commendable! There’re some really lucky pigeons whom get to call this masterpiece home! Be well & stay safe. Cheers, Doc 🇺🇸
Such a great work. It is absolutely perfect ! Not only on the technical level, perfect workmanship, but the design is absolutely perfect : great proportions, nice balance between lines and volume … One remark though : I find the use of screws on the door very shocking when everything is so unique and neat.
I found your channel from the Hoof GP’s, and I’m so glad. This is the first video I’ve watched and the Dove Cote looks wonderful, every aspect of it. I’m now looking forward to watching more.
Graham said to check your programme, this is awesome, the one thing I know about dove cots is that in the civil war they had saltpetre inspectors were sent around dove cots and churches to collect the dirt produced by doves for gunpowder.
Beautiful just beautiful. You do amazing work. I enjoy watching your videos building and making art. I would never have stumbled onto this channel without Graeme mentioning you. I’m glad he did. Love it!!!
Thank you for your kind comments. Hope you enjoy some of my other videos too. My brother Graeme @TheHoofGP has been very kind mentioning me on his channel. There's a video we made together you might like - revisiting where we grew up. Titled 'Scotlands dry stone walls'.
Excellent work chaps. It warms the heart to know that old trades are kept alive by people like you. It’s a long time since I did any dry stone walling but you brought it all back 👍🏼
I think the highest standard of mortared stone wall should be built with the same mindset as a drystone wall, with the mortar as something to fill the gaps and keep the drafts and water out, not something to bind the stones together.
I was just watching the hoof gp when he mentioned his brothers sculpture channel, so I popped over for a look. That building is a masterpiece, every single stone is a sculpture. It’s absolutely beautiful. I have of course subscribed and look forward to seeing your other work
Nice work, good job. I appriciate. I salute you and your master. Dry stone work is marvles with heritage type of wooden+iron work. Here is so many type of sand stone work. With lot of wishes from india(raj.) Jodhpur
Building the arch saying it should take three day but took six just to get it better, just thinking that thing will be there maybe a 100 years, easy to chose a little more time spent on it to get it better. Overall it's a nice rock pile, music is mood setting and good show case on the build.
Thank you - near the end of the video when I add the little door om the side of the Doocot I point the camera inside. The first floor beams are secured in pockets in the walls. Timbers and steel straps are used to fasten the roof to these beams. I ought to have pointed it out in the video - apologies.
Beautiful work. But ya shoulda mortised the butts of the 4 hinges on the entry door into the jamb. Screws will slip, causin' the door to sag, but a good mortise lasts until the jamb or door is destroyed.
![DIY'ER builds a stone barn using traditional techniques... [18 month timelapse]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ffTeMh41mmQ/mqdefault.jpg)
What a great video James! 👏Your artistry always amazes me. 😀 There is something peaceful in watching you put together these inspiring works of art.🙌 You explained everything so well, very interesting! The music is beautiful too. You make it look so easy & yet the complexity is so obviously an art & a major undertaking!
Thanks again! Kim 🇺🇲
Thanks Kim. Always love your thoughtful comments.
Hand skills of the highest order ..absolute quality !
👍
I watched a man trimming cow hoofs and it lead me to this masterpiece. Incredible
🤣 Like so many others! Thanks for checking out my work.
Was it the Hoof G.P.? By any chance?
Same sound track.
👍
I’m grateful that people are willing to invest in buildings like this to keep the skills alive. That was quite a demonstration of the craft, well done guys
Great comment. Thank you. Without the investment from our clients we'd never be able to build such things. It's important to never forget that.
100% agree!
👍👍
As a young french stonemason i really hope to reach that level of work, you guys do amazing job and the video is so pleasant to watch !
Thanks Florian. That's very kind of you. My best advice is that you need to be your own biggest critic. Best wishes from Scotland.
God bless you stonemasons and your backs. All the brickies I’ve ever known have had to retire early;
I can’t imagine the love it takes to do this dry stone work, instead of working with uniform bricks.
This is beautiful
Wher do you live, Florian? I've seen some fantastic craftsmanship in France.
👍👍
Bless you ❤ love from Paris France
🟦⬜️🟥🧔🏻♂️
Thanks Norman 😊
Doves you say!? Great customer! Great craftsmanship!
Spoiled doves 🕊. They're all moved in now and looking quite at home. Thank you 😊
now that's an arch!!!!! amazing stonework altogether!!!
I picked the wrong career
You took the words out of my mouth!😅
Didn’t we all
Never too late to start
That’s what my father said. So I became a mason as he said he wished he had. What I can say is, most masons picked the wrong career. It’s dangerous, unhealthy, heavy work and as an old journeyman told me when I was an apprentice, “the novelty wears off”. Many years later my father asked what made me choose such a difficult trade. When I told him it was his idea he suggested he must have been drunk at the time. Thanks pop😂
I wish I'd chosen to be a dove as well.
Carpenter for 45 years plus. Beautiful work
Thanks 👍 Very kind of you.
That has to be the best video on workmanship I've seen in years James, the detail of the whole lot, chipping the stone, marrying the timber door frame to the stone. Fantastic workmanship lads.
Wow, thanks! That's a wonderful comment. Much appreciated.
@@jamesparkersculpture Where's the update? You've stopped posting new content. Is this channel dead? Your email addy no longer works.
👍
Very interesting to watch, I did not realize how much effort this is. I cannot imagine how entire houses, castles and cities were built like this!
Perfect!!!!!!!!!! greetings from Greece .iam stone builder
Thank you. Best wishes to you from Scotland.
One of the best things I have ever seen done. Thanks. I have seen and photographed many American Colonial dovecotes which were all in the upper story of a wooden barn. This freestanding stone version is an inspiration! Well done!
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for your kind words 🙏
Wow respect for doing all that with hand tools!
That type of building is definitely an accomplishment! I have always been fascinated by the dry stone technique. The doves will have no idea the planning that went into such a palace.
Thank you. It's the thought of the doves seeing a stone out of place and judging us that made us strive for perfection 😉🤣
@@jamesparkersculpture Those are some discerning doves!😆
👍👍
How beautiful is this singer's voice
Beautiful work, and a very peaceful and meditative experience watching it all come together.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Love the old school craftsmenship.
Thanks 😊
Such a beautiful piece of work. There's very few dry stone masons of this level left in the world. Thank you for keeping the craft alive!
Thanks very much Katherine. Kind words.
To be honest, there's still quite a few in the UK. Don't know about elsewhere 🤔
bravo, bravo, bravo... i am speechless and amazed!
👍👍
Pure artistry and craftsmanship. What an amazing partnership. Wonderful, to see how pleased all the builders felt about the build.
Thank you glad it came across in the video. We were all thrilled.
That's real nice stone to work with.
You guys did that good of a job I’ve watched this twice now.
Thanks Paul! Good for the analytics 😂😉
I hope you added a secret message/note somewhere inside the wall for future generations to find one day, I know as a builder from England now living in Canada, I do it on special project, it gives me a smile to imagine someone finding a secret piece of history I've hidden one day 🙂👍
👍'
You should be proud. Beautiful structure
Thanks Danny.
What craftsman you guys are, spot on workmanship! My Grandfather was a master mason and I so wish I had paid more attention to his teachings when I was a lad😔
What a beauty... literally art. Applause from RU
Thank you 😊
Beautiful project mindfully executed.
That’s an amazing job, I was a stone mason for many years until I retired. It still thrills me to see an exceptional rock job and you guys have done it, beautiful. (Old guy from Arkansas)🇺🇸
Thanks very much. Much apreciated.
Magnificent. Such artistry.
Thank you Kyleene
@@jamesparkersculpture your very welcome James.
I was just about to ask about the arch and then you explained it perfectly. I was going to ask how will you be certain it will hold after taking away the supports.
Also, doesn’t this make you even more appreciate all those dry stones walls that you see around the country side, imagine all the man hours put into them if you add it all up, it’s incredible
I commented before the end 🤦🏻♂️😂
Thanks Jim - know matter how confident I was, there's always a tiny element of apprehension when removing an arch form.
Im not so shocked by old walls and works of stone masonry. You have to remember that we have a different view and appreciation of time than our ancestors did even a few hundred years ago. Building stone walls and other structures was just one activity one could get up to between other things, like tending the fields and animals. No youtube to waste away your evenings, so might as well go deal with that pile of stones you picked out of the field while plowing.
Hottest day since the medieval warm period. We are the coldest warm period ever.
Amazing video! Thanks again for the opportunity - most amazing work experience ever!
Thanks Martin - we'll still be reliving this one in our latter years. Great to have your help on this project. Looking forward to the next one....whatever that may be 🤔
I absolutely love love love watching and knowing that this person is a REAL craftsmen in their field. If your ever lucky enough to watch a real craftsman, watch every step it’s a privilege!
Kind words Heather. Thank you.
*OUTSTANDING* *!!!* _( The HoofGP sent me. )_
Thank you!
Concrete burns limit my love of stonework ...
DryStack is all I have left in that commerce .
Dry stone is the best 😉
Absolutely stunning work guys, you are a credit to the profession. I’ve spent my entire working life in the building trade and even I was amassed at the volume of stone this project took to complete. 100% brilliant ❤
Thanks very much John, that's very kind of you.
Absolutely glorious.
Thank you! Much appreciated 🙏
James, this Dovecote is a triumph. I am so impressed how each stone fits together and creates such a beautiful building. It will be part of the landscape for many years to come. Martin, Findlay & Stevie should be very proud of their part in this project, they were working with a Master Craftsman.
Thank you very much. I hope you are well x
@@jamesparkersculpture I'm fine and 1 month into owning chickens. I was so proud of my self build coop and run 'till I saw your masterpiece!
That is absolutely beautiful.
Thank you 😊
Absolutely stunning. You're very lucky to have such skills and commissions.
Thanks Eduard. I am very lucky as you say - will never take that for granted.
In spite of what we all know about how a well built arch gets stronger as the weight comes on there is always that moment, when the formwork is removed, when somebody jokes about 'if the arch collapses'. My first arch was nowhere near as elegant but it is still standing 46 years later. Just a lovely piece of work to watch. Makes my old fingers twitch to be holding a walling hammer once again.
Thanks very much for your comment and kind words. I know what you mean about the moment the form is removed! 😂 Glad that you enjoyed it.
Beautiful work. It's amazing how these buildings go together & look so beautiful out of stone. They are such a work of art. Thanks for sharing with us.
Thanks very much Alice. My pleasure.
1300 comments and 1300 hours to build. James, thanks for this. I have been watching dry stone wall construction vids for a few weeks now. This is SO far beyound that AND I had no clue this was even possible.
Warms my heart to think that might be standing pretty much as is in 500 years. Astounding work.
Thanks very much.
I am totally blown away with the skill that was used to create such an awesome building. Well done everyone.
Thank you very much.
Fabulous, it looks like it has been standing there for years already. Love the little pigeon holes. Can't wait to see the next project.
Thanks. I do love it when things blend in like this instantly.
This is a super find of hotels to be sure. I think the people of the Greek Isles would argue where the finest is since they have some amazing over 2000 year old ones! But awesome
So beautifully done. Congratulations lads, brilliant achievement.
Great video too!
Thanks very much Lydia. Means a lot coming from you. Much appreciated.
when you get to carve your own blocks...OG tetris!
🤣
James you have build something you can be very proud of. It will be there for hundreds of years. It's beautiful!!
I hope so - thank you very much.
When we are all dust and long gone your dovecote will still providing a home for the doves. Great Job.
Thank you - I hope so.
Sturdy, handsome, great lines, and well built....same goes for the Dovecot. 😉 Excellent work lads. This has to be the finest new dovecot built in decades. The attention to detail, appreciation for the stone (by way of sculpting each stone by hand), and cherishing the trade all came together to creating this stunning dovecot that is now a permanent fixture on the estate. So few of us will earn such an honor. Knowing the honor bestowed upon you, you continually express your gratitude throughoutthe video. Your expression of gratitude says it all; they made the right decision selecting you and the other lads to build this new landmark on the estate! Comgratulations on this massive accomplishment. Bravo mate....Bravo.
Cheers!
Kind words Cameron. Thank you
i worked as a stone mason for many years so I really enjoyed you video I'm impressed with the centre stone on the arch how you shaped the next stone above, really good work lads ,
Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you very much.
Oh James, that is just wonderful. You and your team are so talented, very well done. I’m always so keen to see your next project. Thank you.❤️💕
Thank you very much!
I love this will apply this at my Village if I got a chance ❤
Beautiful work. The coat of arms carved in the stone was also incredibly beautiful. Well done!
Thanks Fabio. Glad you liked it.
Incredible
Thanks very much.
This was great. I really can appreciate stonework and all the skill and talent. I love this!
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.
Congratulations, you made an excellent construction in the medieval style. Looking at it, it looks like a barn.
With each new piece of artwork I think ‘this is the best, then the next piece is more majestic than before’. Your attention to detail and precision are commendable! There’re some really lucky pigeons whom get to call this masterpiece home!
Be well & stay safe. Cheers, Doc 🇺🇸
Thank you - much appreciated. Hopefully they'll be comfortable!
The old business method that our ancestors used to do is very tiring, but it is the most beautiful thing ever
Fantastic video, well done to all three of you, welcome back James, you've been missed. If the doves don't move in, can I? 👍
🤣🤔 Thanks John
Hard working lads over in scotland 😍
Thanks Desmond, much apreciated.
I have no words to describe that masterpiece, just... CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
100% perfect project and very traditional and indigenous!!!
Great respect!!!
Thank you very much 😊
Such a great work.
It is absolutely perfect ! Not only on the technical level, perfect workmanship, but the design is absolutely perfect : great proportions, nice balance between lines and volume …
One remark though : I find the use of screws on the door very shocking when everything is so unique and neat.
Thanks Vincent - a fair point. Perhaps I ought to have got a professional carpenter in to do that aspect of the work.
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👌🏻👌🏻🥂🥂🥂🥂😉
I found your channel from the Hoof GP’s, and I’m so glad. This is the first video I’ve watched and the Dove Cote looks wonderful, every aspect of it. I’m now looking forward to watching more.
Thanks Deborah - glad Graeme mentioned me and delighted you enjoyed it. Thank you.
and here I was wondering, this guy sounds like the Hoof GP. haha
Beautiful work that should last for centuries!
Absolutely amazing! You always amaze me with your structures. 🌟
Thanks. Delighted you enjoyed it.
Graham said to check your programme, this is awesome, the one thing I know about dove cots is that in the civil war they had saltpetre inspectors were sent around dove cots and churches to collect the dirt produced by doves for gunpowder.
Thanks for taking Graham's advice 😉 Gunpowder.....hmm there's an idea.
Beautiful just beautiful. You do amazing work. I enjoy watching your videos building and making art. I would never have stumbled onto this channel without Graeme mentioning you. I’m glad he did. Love it!!!
Thank you 😊 I've been lucky that Graeme aka @TheHoofGp has mentioned me.
Thank you for your kind comments. Hope you enjoy some of my other videos too. My brother Graeme @TheHoofGP has been very kind mentioning me on his channel. There's a video we made together you might like - revisiting where we grew up. Titled 'Scotlands dry stone walls'.
@@jamesparkersculpture I will definitely watch it. Thank you
What a beautiful structure, the skill and workmanship absolutely beautiful. 👏👏👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Thank you so much 😀
Absolutely beautiful work!
Thank you very much 😊
Beautiful structure
Many thanks
Excellent work chaps. It warms the heart to know that old trades are kept alive by people like you.
It’s a long time since I did any dry stone walling but you brought it all back 👍🏼
Thanks Pete. Glad you enjoyed it.
Beautiful work!
Shame on us all for those who have no home while some build palaces for pets!
Glad to come across your video, lovely work.
Thanks Lynette! Delighted you enjoyed it.
Just Amazing !! ❤❤👏👏
Thank you so much!
Well played. Great work..
Thank you.
Absolutely fantastic work man ship Dave South Australia
Thanks a lot Dave. Much apreciated.
The music made me feel like I was watching The Hoof GP… I was expecting an abscess to explode pus everywhere
What can I say....now you know where he comes for his inspiration 😏🤣
Great work!
Thanks!
Very good.. nice very heard.work..❤❤❤❤❤❤.
Found you!! Fantastic build 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😍😍😍
Thanks, much apreciated. Slightly harder to attract views on UA-cam - clearly 🤣🤔
Nice work
An amazing job. Stands well against those built in the past
Thanks Bob, that's kind of you.
Masonry at its finest. Bravo 👏🏻
Thank you 😊
I am from india and i am salute your work
Thank you Dilip.
Beautiful❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you! 😊
Amazing
very nice 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻~~
Thank you.
It's such an amazing stone build but I can't get my head around the absence of mortar to bind the stones together.
Thank you.
I think the highest standard of mortared stone wall should be built with the same mindset as a drystone wall, with the mortar as something to fill the gaps and keep the drafts and water out, not something to bind the stones together.
I was just watching the hoof gp when he mentioned his brothers sculpture channel, so I popped over for a look. That building is a masterpiece, every single stone is a sculpture. It’s absolutely beautiful. I have of course subscribed and look forward to seeing your other work
Thanks very much and welcome aboard. I really hope you enjoy my videos - plenty to catch up on!
Nice work, good job. I appriciate. I salute you and your master. Dry stone work is marvles with heritage type of wooden+iron work. Here is so many type of sand stone work. With lot of wishes from india(raj.) Jodhpur
Keep it up, Sir. 👍👍
Building the arch saying it should take three day but took six just to get it better, just thinking that thing will be there maybe a 100 years, easy to chose a little more time spent on it to get it better.
Overall it's a nice rock pile, music is mood setting and good show case on the build.
Thanks for your kind words.
I'd like to meet the new tenants !
🐾 Montréal 🇨🇦
There quite at home now! 🏡
Beautiful work ! Is the roof secured by gravity alone, if so , isn’t it vulnerable to hurricane force winds?
Thank you - near the end of the video when I add the little door om the side of the Doocot I point the camera inside. The first floor beams are secured in pockets in the walls. Timbers and steel straps are used to fasten the roof to these beams. I ought to have pointed it out in the video - apologies.
Beautiful work. But ya shoulda mortised the butts of the 4 hinges on the entry door into the jamb. Screws will slip, causin' the door to sag, but a good mortise lasts until the jamb or door is destroyed.
Stunning job lads! Can I ask what type of stone it is? Maybe you mentioned it but i missed it.
Thank you. It is Alston Stone - there's a link to their website in the description of the video.
Wow. I can think of nothing else to say.