Simon Warrack's career as a stonemason has taken him from harrowing encounters in Cambodia to prestigious restoration projects at historic sites worldwide, as chronicled in his memoir "Monumental."
In January 1995, Warrack was traveling with an armored escort near the ancient temples of Angkor, Cambodia, when their convoy was attacked by men armed with AK-47s. The ensuing rocket-propelled grenade and machine-gun fire followed an incident where a trailing car carrying a Texan university professor, her husband, interpreter, and driver was also targeted. The professor and interpreter were killed in that attack, highlighting the lingering presence of the Khmer Rouge despite the fall of their regime.
Warrack, who is not a soldier, was on his way to Angkor when the ambush occurred. This dangerous episode is just one of many recounted in his book, which explores how stonemasonry has led him on a globe-trotting career.
A Universal Craft
Warrack began his training at The Building Crafts College in London before working on significant sites such as Canterbury Cathedral, Venice's Doge’s Palace, and Rome’s Trevi Fountain. His work has extended to the stelae of Ethiopia, temples in the United Arab Emirates, and training local masons in Syria, demonstrating the universal nature of masonry and conservation.
The memoir emphasizes Warrack's passion for honoring the traditions and skills of past masons, noting the surprising similarities between ancient and modern building methods. He advocates for a respectful approach to conservation, one that moves beyond political and financial obstacles. Warrack's method involves collaborating with local communities who hold deep connections to these sacred sites, fostering a harmonious blend of craftsmanship that transcends language barriers.
His extensive work has contributed to the preservation of numerous heritage sites, with the memoir suggesting that few significant global heritage locations remain untouched by his skill. "Monumental" serves as a compelling argument for the preservation of traditional crafts, the importance of knowledge sharing, and a deep respect for global heritage, especially in an era dominated by modern materials and technologies.