Students from King’s Park School in Newhaven recently took part in an inspiring stone carving workshop delivered by Proud Places, in response to the historic caryatids at Southwark Park in Bermondsey.
These sculpted stone figures, originally part of Rotherhithe Town Hall, were restored after WWII damage and now serve as a symbol of local heritage.
The workshop introduced students to the craft of stonemasonry and the story behind the caryatids, blending history, art, and design into a creative, hands-on experience.
During the session, pupils learned practical skills such as chiselling, shaping, and carving stone—skills still used in modern conservation and construction.
The activity encouraged teamwork, creativity, and precision, while also offering insight into heritage-related careers.
Inspired by the caryatids, students created their own carvings and expressed pride in contributing to a living tradition.
The school plans to display their work and organise a trip to see the caryatids in person later this term.
