thresh·old (thrshld, -hld) n

A piece of wood or stone placed beneath a door; a doorsill.

An entrance or a doorway.

The place or point of beginning; the outset.

or

The starting point of an experience, event, or venture.........

There are loads of little details that we think will make the new map gift shop stand out!  One such detail  has involved the skills of stone mason Paul Cullinane.  We are really delighted that Paul accepted our commission to make our new threshold.

Paul Cullinane with the cross from Gloucester Cathedral

Paul's work can be seen around the world - in 2011 while travelling around New Zealand he found his skills in demand in Christchurch when the destructive earthquakes and aftershocks rendered the famous cathedral unsafe.

Closer to home he's worked on  Wells and Gloucester Cathedrals.

Detail from Gloucester Cathedral

as well as the British Museum.

I especially love this quirky gargolyle and Green Man!

Although our commission is on a much smaller scale, it will be something every visitor
to 'map' will be touched by!

Threshold stone to be infilled with contrasting concrete -

Finished Stone we are looking forward to updating this blog 
with a photo of it in situe soon!

and here it is, looking great - it has become a real talking point, treating everyone to a grand entrance!