A New South Wales stonemason with nearly two decades of experience restoring the state’s most significant historic buildings has been awarded the 2026 George Proudman Fellowship, earning an $18,000 scholarship to undertake specialist training in Europe.
Grzegorz Kosilo was selected for the prestigious annual fellowship, which supports heritage stonemasons in accessing international training and research not readily available in Australia.
The program is designed to help recipients develop advanced trade skills and bring that expertise back to benefit the local industry.
Kosilo will travel to Poland and Germany to investigate mineral-based stone repair products that closely replicate the natural structure and permeability of sandstone.
These materials offer a more compatible and durable solution for heritage conservation work compared to the synthetic alternatives currently widespread in Australia.
He will study alongside stonemasons, heritage specialists and manufacturers of mineral-based repair systems, with the goal of introducing techniques that remain rarely used in this country.
Over his career, Kosilo has worked on some of Australia’s most recognised historic buildings, including St Mary’s Cathedral, Ultimo TAFE, Kirkbride at Callan Park and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
Through that work, he has developed a strong commitment to preserving original stone using repair methods that are genuinely compatible with historic fabric.
He has noted that most Australian stone repairs are currently carried out using synthetic epoxy or acrylic-based materials.
While these products may appear effective in the short term, they can create long-term conservation problems because they behave very differently from natural sandstone.
His research aims to address that gap by identifying more durable, reversible and historically appropriate alternatives.
The fellowship is an initiative of the Minister’s Stonework Program, which is sponsored by the NSW government and delivered by NSW Public Works and Heritage Stoneworks.
The program plays a critical role in conserving the state’s heritage assets by combining traditional craftsmanship with modern conservation practices.
The NSW government owns and manages approximately 800 sandstone buildings and structures across the state, spanning schools, hospitals, courthouses and public monuments.
The Minister’s Stonework Program supports the long-term protection of these assets for future generations.
The fellowship was established in honour of the late George Proudman, who served as Master Mason of the NSW Public Works Department during the 1970s and 1980s.
Proudman played a pivotal role in revitalising the craft of stonemasonry in NSW and mentoring future generations of tradespeople, contributing to landmark projects including Sydney’s Central Station and the Chief Secretary’s Building on Bridge Street.
NSW government Architect Abbie Galvin highlighted that the program is unique in Australia and plays a vital role in both protecting significant public heritage assets and building industry capability.
She noted that Kosilo’s research has the potential to strengthen conservation practices across the country.
Public Works Executive Director Drew Varnum said the fellowship recognises the importance of investing in specialist heritage trade skills and supporting stonemasons to build on traditional methods while exploring innovative practices from around the world.
