The flint knapper: ‘They used to make prisoners do it, but I do it for fun and manage to make a living

John Lord, a recipient of the British Empire Medal for his contributions to the flint industry, is profiled for his unique profession as a full-time flint knapper. His journey into this ancient craft began with 13 years of study at Grime's Graves, a significant Neolithic flint mine located in Thetford, Norfolk. This extensive period allowed him to master the intricate skills of tool-making from flint, a specialized form of lithic technology. Lord is distinguished as one of the few individuals in Britain who has successfully forged a full-time livelihood solely from working with flint. Following his tenure at Grime's Graves, he transitioned into producing architectural flints, primarily catering to the building industry. His work is essential for specific aesthetic and structural applications in construction. Parallel to his commercial endeavors, he has consistently engaged in lithic work, collaborating with universities and museums. This aspect of his career involves the analysis of stone tools and chipped stone artifacts, providing invaluable insights for archaeological and historical research. He describes flint as a cosmetic cladding and a prominent architectural feature prevalent across a significant portion of eastern England. He delineates the 'flint country' by drawing a diagonal line from Flamborough Head in East Yorkshire down to Dorset, indicating that the region southeast of this line predominantly utilizes flint in its architecture. His particular expertise lies in breaking these flints to expose their inner surfaces, a technique crucial for the distinctive appearance of flint buildings. This process highlights the natural beauty and texture of the stone, contributing to the architectural heritage of the region. Over the years, John Lord has been involved in several high-profile projects, showcasing the versatility and demand for his craft. A notable example is the Flint House, a commission for Baron Rothschild's estate in Buckinghamshire, which received the prestigious RIBA House of the Year award in 2015. Despite the sophisticated outcomes of his work, Lord employs remarkably simple tools. He utilizes aged hammers, akin to those found in a domestic shed, emphasizing that their correct 'temper' is key to effective flint knapping, preventing material from breaking off incorrectly. He underscores that mastering this skill demands years of diligent practice, after which the process becomes relatively straightforward. His dedication ensures the preservation and continuation of this ancient craft, bridging historical techniques with contemporary applications. #FlintKnapper #JohnLord #FlintIndustry #LithicWork #ArchitecturalFlint #HeritageCrafts #RIBAHouseOfTheYear #StoneAgeTechnology #FlintKnapper #JohnLord #FlintIndustry #LithicWork #ArchitecturalFlint #HeritageCrafts #RIBAHouseOfTheYear #StoneAgeTechnology