BRIANNA LEIGH COFFER > Apprentice Stonemason
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND?
I grew up in the foothills of Northern California and for that reason I considered myself a student of the natural world. The only things that seemed to make sense to me were rock cycles and the sound of graphite on paper. Although I struggle with calling myself an “artist”, I feel the need to find the art in everything I do.
WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A STONEMASON?
I decided I wanted to learn this profession while working as a barista. I had the chance to serve a customer that was covered in stone dust. I asked him what job could possibly make him that filthy. He replied that his work consisted of installing huge granite slabs located in a cemetery. With his enthusiasm and the recounting of his stories - raising the slabs on a gantry and lowering them with the chain fall, etc. - I was convinced! I was determined to learn about this profession and the training required to become a stonemason.
YOU ARE STILL AN APPRENTICE. CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR APPRENTICESHIP?
My apprenticeship is an accredited program that consists of 4,500 hours, on-the-job training, and classes in my union hall. To become a stonemason, you have to study for a total of four years. After my graduation, I will be awarded the title of Journeyman. The stages of professional development within the stonemasons’ Guild are Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master Mason.
Second Bank of the United States in Old City, Philadelphia, PA
ARE YOU WORKING ON ANY SPECIAL PROJECTS RIGHT NOW?
Since the Spring of 2022, I have been restoring the Second Bank of the United States located in Old City, Philadelphia. I have been hired for this restoration by Stone & Lime Historic Restoration Services, Inc. It is a preservation project overseen by the National Park Service. Portions of the scope of the work include cleaning marble that had been stained by the copper drains, stabilization of the Doric columns using bone screws, patching throughout the entire structure with a historic repair mortar, removing stones that have been damaged by weather, carving and installing new profile stones along the eaves.
WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU MOST WORKING IN YOUR FIELD?
My mental strength has outweighed the physical demands placed upon me. Masonry is a personal experience that deepens as you immerse yourself in the craft. I must know my tools; I must understand the stones. Each action that I perform has corresponding downstream results. These actions build on top of one another. This forces me to constantly challenge myself and stay grounded in my work. It has been a career thus far that I have received as much as I’ve given.
HAS A FAVORITE PLACE IN SWITZERLAND INFLUENCED OR INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR WORK?
Although there are plenty of buildings dear to me like the Grossmünster (Romanesque-style Protestant church in Zürich). As an aspiring stone carver, the Lion of Lucerne holds great inspiration for me. Exceptional carving can portray deep emotions and the possibilities of what is possible with this career path.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST IMPORTANT QUALITY TO HAVE WHEN YOU ARE STARTING THE RENOVATION OF A HISTORIC BUILDING?
The ability to have perspective. When you are responsible to renovate a building, you must look to the bigger picture and hold a high value on skilled craftsmanship, quality materials, and time management. The overreaching goal is to keep the structure intact for years to come. Furthermore, to show respect and reverence to the prior generations whose craftsmanship led to this structure being erected in the first place.
DOES THE SAME LINE OF WORK VARY IN THE UNITED STATES COMPARED TO SWITZERLAND?
While I have not yet been able to work in Switzerland, based on my reading there appears to be greater emphasis on traditional methods and the historic values of stone masonry.
IF YOU COULD RENOVATE ANY BUILDING IN THE WORLD, WHICH ONE WOULD IT BE?
Recently, I had the honor to meet a few members of the team responsible for the rebuilding of Notre-Dame de Paris, France while visiting the Washington National Cathedral in D.C. If I were to renovate any building of that magnitude and historic value, it would be something to look back for the rest of my life and point to with pride.
Thank you!
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