In conversation with Tom Little

In this episode we talk to Tom Little, stone worker and letter carver who also designs and runs the Stone Cutting and Stone Masonry Apprenticeship programme at the Kerry College of Further Education and Training. He tells us about the decline and evolution of Irish stone working from the 1960’s to now, where he’s seeing the beginning of a new ‘stone renaissance’ as the craft is better appreciated, in higher demand and is taken up by new generations of passionate and creative workers Tom would like to acknowledge the vital role SOLAS and the Office of Public Works have played in making the Stonecutting & Stonemasonry Apprenticeship program a reality.In particular, the OPW's continued support of the program  has helped ensure the future of this timeless craft for future generationsIf you're interested in learning more about a future in stoneworking check out the apprenticeship programmes run by Kerry College of Further Education and the OPW shared in our shownotes. If you have a question or would like to give us feedback, or ideas about future guests or topics, we’d love to hear from you so please give us a review and leave a comment wherever you get your podcasts, or get in touch by emailing us at spabireland@gmail.com For more information on SPAB Ireland:www.spab.org.uk/about-us/spab-ireland To follow us on social media:www.instagram.com/spabirelandwww.twitter.com/spabirelandwww.facebook.com/spabireland Hosted by Róisín Beirne and Livia ArtibaniEdited by Graeme BaldwinReviewed by Tríona Byrne, Shona O’Keefe, Gissella Renolfi & Róisín Beirne.  Artwork by Róisín Beirne and Gissella Renolfi.Theme music by Cillian Byrne. Generously supported by the Heritage Council under their Heritage Capacity Fund 2023. SHOWNOTESFavourite Building - his own house: a two storey stone labourers cottage built around  1900. Tom's contact details : tomlittle@kerrycollege.ie / tomlittlestonecarving@hotmail.com  Kerry College Apprenticeship Programme OPW Apprenticeship Programme  Drystone Walling Association of IrelandWebsiteFacebookFéile na gCloch (Festival of Stone) Inis Oirr, 14th to 17th September 2023  Galway Cathedral : Cathedral of Our Lady into Heaven and St Nicholas<br /> Micheal Biggs biography1973 video of sculptor Michael Biggs on the dying craft of stone carving and how his stonework for a Dún Laoghaire church gives it new life.<br /> Oisin O Kelly biography RTE archives on Oisín Kelly retrospective<br /> Heart to Hearth - In conversation with Tom Pollard Pat McAfee  booksStone Buildings: Conservation. Restoration. History