Jaksic Stonemasonry
Workshop and Gallery

From Concept to Installation: A Stone Ambo for the Church in Postira

In our stonemasonry workshop, another demanding and exceptionally valuable project has recently been completed – the production and installation of an ambo for the Church of St John the Baptist in Postira on the island of Brač. Located in the very heart of the town, this church holds a long history and an important role in the spiritual and cultural life of the community, while its interior reflects a harmony of tradition and simple sacral aesthetics.

The ambo, as an important liturgical element, is crafted from a monumental block of white Brač stone, shaped into an elegant curved form. The uniqueness of this project lies in the fact that the entire ambo is made from a single piece of stone, requiring exceptional precision, planning and technical expertise. Every step – from concept and design to final finishing and installation – was carried out within our workshop under the guidance of our sculptor Lovre Jakšić.

To ensure a perfect fit within the existing space, negative forms in the shape of arches were carved into the sides, following the lines of the existing steps and architectural elements. This achieved both visual and functional integration with the church interior.

The ambo is further enriched by details executed using the inlay technique (intarsia), where the symbols of Alpha and Omega are inserted in Rosso Verona stone, while the cross is highlighted using Verde Guatemala stone. This technique requires exceptional precision, as different types of stone are manually fitted into pre-carved grooves, creating contrast and depth.

The installation of the ambo was particularly demanding due to the limited space, as well as the size and weight of the stone element. Precise placement required careful planning and coordination to ensure stability and a seamless integration into the sacral setting.

This project is yet another example of how the tradition of stone craftsmanship can be successfully combined with a contemporary approach to shaping sacral elements.