Burlington Stone Recognizes Longtime Craftsmen
Long serving craftsmen receive hand-crafted Burlington Slate gifts in recognition of nearly nine decades of combined service. From left to right Lucy Cavendish (director, Burlington Stone); Derek Harrison; Andrew Wilkinson and Lady Cavendish.
KIRKBY-IN-FURNESS, CUMBRIA, ENGLAND -- Burlington Stone has recognized two of its most experienced craftsmen, Andrew Wilkinson and Derek Harrison, marking almost 90 years of combined service to the Kirkby-in-Furness-based heritage slate company, itself more than 250 years old. The presentations took place at the company’s Cumbrian headquarters and were attended by Lord Cavendish, Lady Cavendish and Burlington Stone Director Lucy Cavendish, reflecting the importance of long service, craft skill and generational knowledge within Burlington’s workforce.
Wilkinson marked 40 years of continuous service, having started as an apprentice in 1986. He has become widely respected not only for his technical skill but for his deep understanding of the stone itself. His interest extends beyond the working day, with a strong personal interest in geology that informs the care and judgement he brings to every block he works.
Wilkinson recognizes that no two stones – and no two days – are the same, adapting his approach to suit the material in front of him. Able to turn his riving prowess to all types of stone, he is known for meeting even the most challenging material with patience, skill and consistency.
Harrison was also recognized for nearly 48 years of service, having first joined Burlington in 1978. While a short period working overseas in the mid-1990s meant his service had not previously been formally marked, Harrison’s career at Burlington spans almost half a century.
He served his time as a dresser and comes from a long family line of quarrymen at Kirkby-in-Furness, with his father, grandfather and great-grandfather all passing down their knowledge of the stone. That heritage is evident in the quality and assurance of his work.
Like Wilkinson, Harrison is regarded as a complete craftsman, with an instinctive understanding of Kirkby stone and how best to work it.
Speaking at the presentation, Lucy Cavendish, herself a direct descendent of Burlington Stone founder and Earl of Burlington William Cavendish, said, “Burlington Stone’s reputation has always rested on the skill, judgement and pride of the people who work here. Andrew and Derek represent the very best of that tradition. Their knowledge has been built block by block over decades, and it is that depth of experience which continues to set Burlington apart.”
Lady Cavendish added, “What struck me most was not just the length of service, but the care and respect both Andrew and Derek show for the stone itself. That sense of stewardship – of understanding something deeply and passing it on – is at the heart of Burlington and of this place.”
Burlington Stone continues to invest in apprenticeships and skills development alongside recognizing the long-serving craftspeople whose experience underpins the company’s international reputation for quality and integrity.
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