William R. Purchase was born in Dorset, c. 1854. He became interested in the construction industry as a boy and, by the time he left school, already had a deep enthusiasm for the natural stone industry. Beginning as an apprentice stonemason, he quickly developed his skills by observing the experienced masons, developing a particular passion for geometry and setting out. After completing his apprenticeship he became an experienced and highly skilled mason, progressing to become the company’s mason foreman in charge of the workshop and also all site activities and contracts. During this time he worked on some of England’s most magnificent and highly decorated public buildings. Sadly, detailed information about Purchase’s career and the buildings he worked on was lost during the Second World War.

By the early 1890s, his vast experience and knowledge of both the stone and construction industries were rewarded when he was appointed Building Inspector for the Borough of Hove (now Brighton & Hove City Council). He continued in this role until he retired in the early part of the twentieth century. His second book, How to Become a Building Inspector, published in 1908 was well received and regarded as one of the best books at the time on this subject.

His first book, Practical Masonry: A Guide to the Art of Stone Cutting, has for many years been regarded as the stonemason’s bible, being one of the best technical books available for both apprentices and experienced masons. W. R. Purchase knew that there was a shortage of written information on stonemasonry, with the result that knowledge could only be gained through observing experienced masons. Combining research with his practical experience of stonemasonry, he produced a concise technical book with the aim of passing on his extensive knowledge of the stone industry. Dedicating it to apprentices, masons and craftsmen, he ensured that the expertise he had gained over many years could benefit everyone. The first edition was written and published in 1896 by Crosby Lockwood & Son of London, meeting with great acclaim.

In response to the excellent reception of his book, W. R. Purchase wrote a second edition to which he added three more chapters: Roman and Grecian mouldings (both illustrative) and a glossary of terms. Further editions followed and by 1904, when the fifth edition was published, Purchase had added further chapters including: Masonry Estimating and Quantity Surveying; Building Stones, marble and granite (including detailed lists of specific stones available) and finally Tables of Diameters, Circumferences and Areas of Circles.

The fifth edition of Practical Masonry is far more detailed than the first. Purchase tackles the complex topic of geometry which is essential to the art of setting out. Some of the most helpful technical information details the setting out of arches in all their forms, ramp and twist staircases, raking and stretching moulds, the entasis of a column, domes, vaulting and tracery windows. All of these are necessary to the mason as each gives a vital understanding of how stone buildings are constructed and how the loads and stresses within are controlled and even manipulated to provide structural integrity to the building design. The mouldings described in Practical Masonry cover the common characteristics found in the Gothic, Grecian and Roman periods. Each of these sections is shown on plates, accurately giving profiles that define that era.

Since W. R. Purchase wrote Practical Masonry over 100 years ago only a handful of technical books have been published on stonemasonry and the stone industry. All were influenced and at times refer (however much updated) back to Purchase, using it as a guide and template. After Purchase died, and his book was not reprinted, it became increasingly difficult for people to obtain. Eventually the book was familiar only to experienced masons or to those in well-established firms which kept their own collections of useful technical literature.

William R. Purchase had a vast knowledge of the masonry industry, and he was keen to share his experience and enthusiasm with new generations of masons. The apprentice may learn much from him about the stonemason’s art. By studying the detail in this book, he or she will gain greater understanding of the techniques and tools needed to acquire the skills of a banker mason. It clearly gave Purchase a great deal of satisfaction to be able to pass on this wealth of learning to apprentices and masons. As fellow masons we are privileged to be able to learn from his depth of experience and skill today. This new edition published by Donhead Publishing will ensure that the work of W. R. Purchase can again reach and assist all students and practitioners of this ancient craft.

Richard Hoyle and Daren Tailby

March 2009