About
Simon Keeley is a multi-award-winning sculptor and master stone carver who has prestigious commissions all over London, the UK and Europe.
About Simon
Over thirty years ago Simon discovered a passion for stone carving whilst wandering through the aisles of Lincoln Cathedral, inspired by the multitude of dramatic carvings he decided to learn about stone. After completing an arts and conservation course he went straight on to study stone masonry at York College and work as a stone mason on various historic buildings and bridges in the north.
My adoration for sculpture in stone is endless, my work is inspired by nature, the form, the growth, the movement and flow. As the eye is drawn around the sculpture the need to touch the smooth and textured surfaces is paramount. In more recent years I have been exploring as many different stones as possible to find the light, the translucency, to listen and let the stone guide me. When chisel connects with stone the rhythmic heartlike beat that follows is my working meditation.
Simon Keeley
A few years later he came south to study historic architectural stone carving at Londons City and Guilds Arts School, where he won awards for outstanding sculpture and letter carving. Simon went on to work for Westminster Abbey and School, for the Worshipful Company of Skinners Guildhall, he has carving work on several churches and historic buildings around London and has participated in public art works all over the south.
In the last twenty-five years Simon has been grateful to carve many varied private commissions which have taken him all over the UK and abroad. Simon is now based in his home studio near Guildford doing sculptural and letter carving commissions and memorials, as well as working on his own sculptural art works. He is also an MA qualified highly experienced teacher of the traditional stone carving craft.
