Simon Keeley

Simon Keeley is a stone carver who is continuing his family link to stone carving, inspired by Lincoln Cathedral.
His first training was at York college in stone masonry, followed by working as a stone mason for Bowman & Sons Ltd
in Stamford in Lincolnshire. He went on to train as a stone carver at London City & Guilds art school, dealing predominantly
with historical and ornament carving.

His inter-relational and design skills were pushed to new limiits on the MA Art in Architecture course he studied at the University of East London, whilst also working as a stone carver in his first studio at Limehouse.The MA course gave him the confidence to teach stone carving in art colleges and privately.He often works to commission and also produces free flowing sculptural carving for ecclesiastical,
gallery, public art spaces and private clients.

His skills were fully tested and shown in a stunning rendition of a 1/2 life sized statue of Saint Peter, for Saint Peter's church in Cockfield in Suffolk. Much to the delight of the vicar and parishoners, the completed statue was installed last autumn for all time in a historic exterior niche, empty since the time of Henry 8th! The winning of the last years Craft & Design magazine Gold Award specialist media,
has certainly raised his profile, helping ensure a very busy start to this year to the present day -with frequent new commission enquiries!
A new teaching venue has just been secured at St.John's church in Bethnall Green, taking over from a stone carver friend of his, a local community based workshop in the crypt of the church! An existing core of keen regular students, some being in attendance for the past 8 years!There will be the possibilty of new students to join this keen group from time to time.

He now has over 18 years carving experience and for the past 7 years he has been teaching ast The Art Academy  in London, West Dean College in Sussex and privately in Windlesham in Surrey. He has now moved just outside, but still accessable to London to make his teaching space in Windlesham his present studio/workshop.

Simon is always available to discuss, large and small commissions in stone, shows and workshops, exhibitions and demonstrations.