Generations of Craftsmanship

About Phidias

Tradition Meets Modern Innovation

Phidias Neo-Classical is very much a family business of stonemasons based in Bristol. Today, three generations of the Dring family represent a long heritage of stone cutters, masons, and sculptors delivering bespoke projects across the UK and worldwide.

Consult Our Stonemasons

3 Generations

The Dring Family In Bristol

1154 – 1189

Heritage in Durham Priory Records

UK & Global Scope

Supply Only or Supply & Fix

Following Ancestral Footsteps

We have a long tradition as Stone Cutters, Stonemasons, and Sculptors over many generations. In fact, our historic family name “Dreng” is noted in the Records of Durham Priory under the reign of King Henry “The Builders of Churches” (1154 – 1189).

It seems a twist of fate that after all these centuries we are still following in the footsteps of our ancestors. Although we are very traditional in our approach, we have kept up with the pace of modern times, utilizing the most high-tech machinery available, which is then complimented with our traditional, tried-and-tested techniques and skills.

We deliver projects ranging from the most extravagant architectural stonework to refined minimalist styles, and pride ourselves on having worked on some of the most prestigious buildings of the past and present.

Worldwide Capability

Based in Bristol, Phidias is ideally placed to provide traditional stone, marble, and granite masonry and sculpture services to any part of the United Kingdom, including the Channel Islands and Isle of Man.

International Deployment: We also work within Europe and select countries across the world where our specialist skills and expertise are required, available on a supply-only or supply-and-fix basis.

Complete Project Assistance

Phidias Neo-Classical Ltd assists clients and contractors from initial concept through to final completion:

  • Bespoke Architectural Design
  • 2D & 3D CAD Drawings & Component Schedules
  • Stone, Marble, or Granite Selection
  • Fixing Detailing & Engineered Fixings
  • Stone, Marble, and Granite Restoration
  • Specialist Natural Stone Cleaning

Flexible Contracting Solutions

We carry out contracts on a sub-contractor to private client basis, sub-contractor to an independent main contractor, or as the main contractor where stone works form the majority of the project scope.

Put your trust in Phidias and allow us to work with you or your agents to deliver your project to a very high standard, within budget constraints and programme schedules.

Contract Flexibility: Whether working directly with private estates or coordinating multi-trade commercial schemes, our Bristol management team ensures seamless integration on-site.

Why The Name Phidias?

Phidias was chosen as the core component of our company's name because he was one of the Ancient World's most renowned sculptors and architects.

🏛 The Master Sculptor

Despite numerous eclectic works, Phidias is best known for two ancient masterpieces:

  • The Statue of Zeus at Olympia: Colossal seated figure in the Temple of Zeus, recognized as one of the Ancient Seven Wonders of the World.
  • The Statue of Athena Parthenos: The magnificent chryselephantine sculpture housed inside the Parthenon in Athens.

Phidias's legendary works were primarily centered at Olympia and the Parthenon in Athens, setting the pinnacle standard for classical aesthetics.

φ Phidias & The Golden Ratio

Phidias was an acclaimed sculptor and stonemason who worked to the Golden Ratio (approximately 1.618)—regarded as the fundamental mathematical blueprint for organic harmony and architectural balance.

The Golden Ratio was so extensively used in his sculptures and temple designs that it is universally represented today by the Greek letter "Phi" (Φ / φ), after the first letter of Phidias’s name.

Much of Phidias Neo-Classical’s work follows the standards set by ancient Greek masters. We strive to provide as near to perfection as is possible in all our work, carrying Phidias’s example of excellence into the modern world.