What do Nelson Mandela, King Harald V of Norway, Sir Bobby Robson, Alan Shearer and Jackie Milburn have in common? 

As Freemen of the City of Newcastle, they have their names carved upon the historic banqueting wall at Newcastle Civic Centre, alongside the city’s former Lord Mayors, Sheriffs and several skilled sculptors and stone carvers who helped shape the Civic Centre’s legacy. One of the latter names is Terry Moody, managing director of Classic Masonry, and the man behind the original carvings produced in 1968 for the building's grand opening. 

Opened by King Olav V of Norway, Newcastle Civic Centre is a landmark of modernist architecture and civic pride. Designed by city architect George Kenyon, the building replaced the old Victorian Town Hall and quickly became the heart of Newcastle's local government. Based in North Tyneside, Terry and his team meticulously carved the 26,000 letters to honour the city's most distinguished figures. 

Nearly 60 years on from that original commission, Terry's son, Mike, has continued the family tradition. Now managing director of the company, he has worked closely with Classic Masonry senior stonemason Paul Bennett to create precise lettering for the building's most recent project. With over thirty years of experience across all sectors of the construction industry, Mike explains that this commission means more than most:

“It is not just about craftsmanship, it’s about honouring the legacy of those who have shaped the city, helped it prosper and added to the Geordie pride. We are honoured to uphold the standards set by those before us and to continue Classic Masonry’s role in marking Newcastle’s historic milestones.”

Mike’s own son, Michael, has followed in his father's footsteps and heads up the design team. So while Classic Masonry specialises in stonemasonry and architectural precast concrete, it now offers a comprehensive range of services, including design development, stone sourcing and selection, cutting, profiling, carving, and fabrication. It also undertakes both new build masonry construction and restoration and conservation projects, which include cleaning, decontamination, and facade consolidation. 

This recent commission, which brings the company full circle across three generations, underlines a rich legacy that continues to go from strength to strength.