Join Abbott Library while we host writer, teacher, tradesman, and a lifelong resident of Hopkinton, NH, Kevin Gardner. 

Kevin’s informal talk covers a few of the main topics of his book about New England stone walls, The Granite Kiss , touching on history, technique, stylistic development, and aesthetics. He explains how and why New England came to acquire its thousands of miles of stone walls, the ways in which they and other dry stone structures were built, how their styles emerged and changed over time, and their significance to the famous New England landscape.

Along the way, Kevin occupies himself building a miniature wall or walls on a tabletop, using tiny stones from a five-gallon bucket. He often brings along his collection of books about stonework, and copies of The Granite Kiss will be available for sale, as well as his most recent book, Stone Building – How To Make New England Style Walls and Other Structures The Old Way.

Other topics may include: differences in approach between historical and contemporary wall-builders, a discussion of restoration tips and techniques, and information about design, acquisition of materials, preservation, and analysis. There is always a generous question-and- answer period, during which listeners are encouraged to bring up specific problems or projects on their own properties.