Hand Carved Memorials in Slate or Sandstone
I make headstones from local stone with hand-carved lettering to commission.
The stone I make will reflect the individual’s particularity in a way no mass-produced one can. It is a very positive act at this time and can provide some solace.
Working in close collaboration with you and patiently and sensitively listening to your wishes, I will ensure the memorial evolves as a lasting tribute.
“I just wanted to tell you that I think Dianne’s headstone is wonderful. I’m so pleased with it! A friend - who actually saw it last night, before I did- emailed me and said, ‘it’s strong and beautiful, like Dianne’. I think that sums it up nicely.”
The process
In the first instance, we will usually meet to discuss ideas and I will give you a range of possibilities. This is best at my workshop where you can get a feel for the stone and see examples of my work. There is no need to have a fixed idea of what you would like although you might. I find that ideas often develop as we talk. For this, there is no charge and you are free to decide whether to take it further.
If you decide to go ahead we can discuss further. I can give you some draft ideas. At all times I will guide you gently through the process. Having reached a decision I will draw up a draft and give you a costing. On a commission, I ask for an initial payment with the rest due on completion.
I will not begin until you are completely satisfied with the design and then order the stone. This usually takes about 8 weeks to be delivered to me whereupon I begin carving. I will always keep you informed of my progress.
I create traditional headstones but also memorial sundials, plaques and benches.
“You have made a lovely job of the stone. It’s much bigger than I expected! The Snowdrops are exquisite! It was a very emotional afternoon and very real. Ma wee sister would be delighted with it! Thank you.””
Timescale
From the initial meeting to completion is on average 4 months but it depends on the size of the project and my work commitments. There is never any rush, however, I will do my very best to have the stone ready for a significant date.
Costs
I aim not to let financial matters stand in your way - If you would like me to carve a stone we can always work something out.
The price of a headstone depends on what type of stone I use, its size and the amount of text and carving. Prices range from £500 for a small tablet with name and dates to between £3500 and £6000 for a full-sized stone.
“Thank you for engraving the bench so beautifully. It is very good to feel a part of William is still here with us.”
“I have been meaning to email you for ages to tell you how much all the family loved the stone you carved for my mother. We had a family celebration on Christmas Day and scattered my mother’s ashes around the stone so we really appreciated you getting it in place before Christmas. Everyone said what a good job you had done. The artichoke is lovely and the lettering and the proportions of the stone and bowl are just right. It makes the quarry a nicer place to be memorial.”
“Just a note to say again how very pleased we both were with Mike’s memorial stone - exactly what we wanted and so fitting for Hundy Mundy. Steve and I took the stone over there on Friday and placed it on Mike’s grave on that very significant day. We both realised just how special it was to be able to do that. It was the focus of our visit. So thank you for helping us to create the perfect memorial stone.”