Hand-carved gravestones, cremation stones, & memorials

My practice focuses on creating handmade memorials, gravestones, and cremation plaques. I try to make the commissioning process as stress-free and straightforward as possible.

The below steps mainly apply to large commissions, such as gravestones. For smaller commissions, such as house signs or cremation plaques, the process is often simpler.

STEP BY STEP GUIDE

  • A free consultation which can be done in person, over the phone, or via email.

    This is an informal chat to discuss what kind of commission you’d like me to make - there is no obligation.

    I can be contacted via email here or on my mobile at +44(0)7506750499.

  • After a consultation, I will send you a fairly basic estimate, to give you a general idea of the cost. A firm price cannot be given until a general design is agreed on.

    I am always happy to suggest various alternatives to accommodate a specific budget.

  • Once an estimate is accepted, then I will draw up a design for you. based on your input and our conversations.

    All of my designs are hand-drawn and unique to each project. I usually start with a series of rough, thumbnail sketches and work up to a formal drawing.

    The cost of drawing up the design is usually £300. This fee also covers the submitting of any paperwork or permit applications needed for churchyard or cemetery officials.

  • Once the design is agreed, and the necessary permits and applications are approved, I will ask for a deposit to cover the cost of ordering the stone and other materials, as well as the actual scale drawing. This is usually 50% of the total cost.

    Please note: each stone I order is quarried and cut for each individual commission, so there is often a 3-6 month wait for the stone to be delivered from the day it is ordered.

  • Once the stone is delivered, I will draw up the design and send you a photo for your approval. Once it is approved, then I will start carving and painting the stone.

    Clients will be updated with progress shots and emails.

  • When the stone is finished I will send you a final photo. We will then arrange a time and date for the stone or plaque to be installed. I try to install my own stones, but I do sometimes have a team of trusted colleagues help out.

    I will ask for the final payment (the remaining 50% of the balance) before the stone is installed.

HOW MUCH DOES A MEMORIAL COST?

To obtain a more accurate estimate, an initial consultation will be necessary, as there are many factors that can significantly effect the cost of a memorial. However, below you will find a very basic range of prices for different kinds of memorials.

  • Basic headstones start at £2500.

  • Basic cremation plaques start at £800.

  • Basic house signs start at £400.

Hand-carved gravestones, memorials, garden sculpture, fine art, and lettering in stone. Carved my Matt Loughlin at The Memorial Workshop, based in Somerset, England.
Hand-carved gravestones, memorials, garden sculpture, fine art, and lettering in stone. Carved my Matt Loughlin at The Memorial Workshop, based in Somerset, England.
Handmade hand lettering, lettering art, calligraphy. Hand-carved gravestones, memorials, garden sculpture, fine art, and lettering in stone. Carved my Matt Loughlin at The Memorial Workshop, based in Somerset, England.
A circular design featuring a frog, a fish, water lilies, and bees, with the words "Water, Wisdom, Time, Stay and Water" around perimeter. Hand-carved gravestones, memorials, garden sculpture, fine art, and lettering in stone. Carved my Matt Lough
A man with a dark beard and dark hair, wearing a black jacket, is carving a tribute plaque with a hammer and chisel. The plaque appears to be beige with engraved text. Hand-carved gravestones, memorials, garden sculpture, fine art, and lettering.
Hand-carved gravestones, memorials, garden sculpture, fine art, and lettering in stone. Carved my Matt Loughlin at The Memorial Workshop, based in Somerset, England.
Stonemasonry and stonecarving. Hand-carved gravestones, memorials, garden sculpture, fine art, and lettering in stone. Carved my Matt Loughlin at The Memorial Workshop, based in Somerset, England.
Carving flower design in slate sculpture. Hand-carved gravestones, memorials, garden sculpture, fine art, and lettering in stone. Carved my Matt Loughlin at The Memorial Workshop, based in Somerset, England.
Opening plaque for Cambridge college, university memorial stone. Hand-carved gravestones, memorials, garden sculpture, fine art, and lettering in stone. Carved my Matt Loughlin at The Memorial Workshop, based in Somerset, England.

FAQs

How long does a commission take?

It really depends on what is being made and how complex it is. Generally, a gravestone or cremation plaque will take 4-8 months to complete, but can sometimes take up to a year, depending on various factors, such as the availability of stone or the wait on permit approval. I do sometimes run a waiting list if I have a particularly full slate of work.

Do you make everything by hand?

Yes. I draw and carve all of my work by hand. Each piece I make is unique and carefully considered and created.

What kinds of stone do you use for memorials?

I use many kinds of slate, limestone, and sandstone. With only a few exceptions, I try to only use native British stone. For many of my fine art projects I try to use reclaimed stone. I try to be as environmentally conscious as possible.

Get in Touch

Please drop me an email or give me a call to discuss a potential project.

Enquire about a commission