Draft:Charlie Gee (artisan)
 | This article may incorporate text from a large language model. (October 2025) |
Charlie Gee | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 23, 2002 United Kingdom |
| Occupation(s) | Stonemason, artisan, cultural advocate |
| Years active | 2017–present |
| Known for | Promoting traditional stonecraft through modern media; heritage restoration work |
| Website | Official website |
Charlie Gee (born 23 June 2002) is a British stonemason, artisan, and cultural advocate known for revitalizing traditional stonecraft within contemporary architecture and digital media culture.[1][2] Part of a new generation of tradespeople, Gee has gained recognition for promoting craftsmanship, sustainability, and heritage preservation through online platforms.[3]
Early life and education
[edit]Gee was born in June 2002 in the United Kingdom. Raised in a region known for its architectural heritage, he developed an early fascination with historic buildings and manual crafts, influenced by his father, Matthew Gee, also a stonemason.[4][5]
At age five, Gee and his family relocated to Tuscany, Italy, where his father worked on restoration projects. The experience exposed him to classical European design and artisanal practices that later influenced his professional direction.[6]
After returning to the United Kingdom, Gee completed his secondary education and undertook formal training in stonemasonry at the York Minster Cathedral Workshop, completing a four-year heritage apprenticeship.[4][7]
Career
[edit]Gee began working in stonemasonry during his mid-teens, initially assisting his father before joining the York Minster Cathedral Workshop.[8] He specializes in cathedral restoration and conservation and has contributed to international restoration projects, including the Cologne Cathedral in Germany, Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, and the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York.[1][9]
Gee has been recognized by heritage organizations and trade publications as one of the most promising young craftsmen in Britain.[3]
In addition to his practical work, Gee has built a substantial online following across Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok, where he shares educational and behind-the-scenes content on stonemasonry and heritage conservation.[1]
In 2025, his combined following exceeded six million across platforms, making him one of the most visible young advocates for manual crafts and traditional trades.[10]
Gee has appeared in several media productions, including ITV’s The Prince’s Master Crafters: The Next Generation and a BBC short documentary on new artisanship.[1] He frequently speaks about apprenticeships, heritage preservation, and the mental health benefits of working with natural materials.[11]
Recognition and influence
[edit]Gee is regarded as a leading figure in the so-called New Artisan movement a cultural shift among young professionals reimagining traditional trades in the digital era.[10] Through his advocacy and storytelling, he has helped raise awareness about heritage conservation, sustainable craftsmanship, and the role of manual skills in the modern economy.[3]
He has collaborated with heritage and education organizations on outreach programmes aimed at encouraging new entrants into traditional trades, including campaigns supported by the Heritage Crafts Association and the Prince’s Foundation.[6]
Personal life
[edit]Gee resides in London, England, where he continues to balance restoration work with private commissions. He is an advocate for mental health awareness within the trades and often discusses the therapeutic and creative aspects of working with natural materials.[11]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "Meet the Gen Z stonemason bringing ancient crafts to TikTok". BBC News. 12 July 2023. Retrieved 22 October 2025.[dead link]
- ^ "The silent witness of the cathedral: Charlie Gee". Stone World. 2025-06-16. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
- ^ a b c "The Prince's Master Crafters: The Next Generation – Meet Charlie Gee". ITV. 20 June 2023. Retrieved 22 October 2025.[dead link]
- ^ a b "York Minster apprentice continues family's centuries-old craft". York Press. 5 May 2022. Retrieved 22 October 2025.
- ^ "Meet the Gen Z stonemason who restores historical landmarks damaged in World War II". The Midsomer Norton & Radstock Journal. 2025-03-12. Archived from the original on 2025-04-06. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
- ^ a b "Young artisan inspired by Italy's architecture". Heritage Journal. 18 November 2022. Retrieved 22 October 2025.[dead link]
- ^ "York Minster may look like it's solid and will last forever, but without constant attention that would not be the case". Yorkshire Post. 2022-02-26. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
- ^ "Meet the York-trained Gen Z stonemason who's restoring treasured cathedrals". York Press. 2025-03-16. Archived from the original on 2025-03-21. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
- ^ "Gen Z Stonemason Restores Iconic European Landmarks Damaged in WWII –And Shares Amazing Videos (WATCH)". Good News Network. 2025-03-15. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
- ^ a b "How Gen Z artisans are reviving traditional trades". The Guardian. 14 February 2024. Retrieved 22 October 2025.[dead link]
- ^ a b "Young stonemason urges support for trades apprenticeships". Construction News. 28 September 2023. Retrieved 22 October 2025.
External links
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