Bespoke Memorials and Inscriptions

Creating memorials of celebration and commemoration using bespoke design and manufacture

Henry Gray made a beautiful headstone and ledger for my Grandparents and Mother. Designing, making and installing the memorial for our family was a process, perhaps part of our grieving process. Henry worked with my Father, Sister and I to discuss what we wanted/needed and treated us very gently with care and respect every step of the way. I moved from dreading facing the fact that we needed a headstone for my Mother – to celebrating that we had the most beautiful memorial in the Churchyard. I am now at peace with visiting my Mother’s grave because I know of the care and craftsmanship that has gone into marking her site. We couldn’t have done a better job for her. Henry couldn’t have done a better job for us. ~Pearl John, customer

Design & Manufacture

We work with bereaved families to make a fitting memorial for their loved ones. We create a design which represents and celebrates the life of the deceased. People can be involved in both the design and the carving of the memorial itself.

We use traditional hand tools and techniques with carefully chosen materials. All lettering and design work are hand drawn and carved, making each memorial unique.

THE INITIAL CONCEPT

At an initial meeting there will be an opportunity to talk about the life or lives of those to be commemorated, giving a clearer idea of what is fitting for the memorial. At this point we can also discuss the requirements and any ideas including design and inscription.

A proposal and estimate will be provided with no obligation and from there an initial drawing will be produced.

COSTS

Costs quoted will include; design, materials, carving and fixing the stone in position, licences and permissions (where needed).

The cost of a gravestone can range between £2,000 – £4,500, depending on size, material, lettering, design and finish. We usually invoice at key points throughout the process, therefore spreading the cost.

Larger commissions with additional carving or sculpture will be priced accordingly as will smaller items, such as grave markers and plaques.

LARGER COMMISSIONS

Gray’s Stone Carving Studio takes large commissions for: memorials, plaques, sculptures, garden features and architectural decorations for individual clients and institutions, such as the military.

We have a collaborative approach to all work undertaken, whatever the project. The only restriction on what can be made is dictated by the material and the imagination.

To enquire about your bespoke design and quote please contact us today. All lettering is hand drawn and carved, and each job is unique.

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For those who have experienced the death of someone close, having a memorial made is a way of honouring their life, and being included in the process can help with grief. Gray’s Stone Carving Studio invites their clients to be as involved as they would like to be, even carving the memorial itself.

The studio in the Chalke Valley near Salisbury has a warm, welcoming wood burning stove, a comfortable sofa and limitless cups of tea.

What sets the Gray’s Stone Carving experience apart is the opportunity for bereaved clients to participate in the process of design and carving as much they want or need to be. While there are some clients who want Henry to design and carve the piece, others find some relief by contributing their own personal touches in the design.

Henry initially meets with his clients for up to two hours; they talk about their loved and lost ones in order to be able to make something together that is appropriate to celebrate and commemorate their life.

Client participation doesn’t need to end at the briefing stage. Henry welcomes involvement in the actual carving of the memorial. He guides clients every step of the way, with practical help and consideration to the difficulties bereavement brings. Henry says “it’s a privilege to be in the presence of someone who has asked for help while grieving and in pain.”

The important thing, according to Henry, is that clients know that they’re going to be fully supported. Client Annie Rutherford agreed “[Henry] was incredibly patient and empathetic at this difficult time. It’s perfect – I couldn’t imagine anything better.” He describes his role as being one of a witness and supporter in his client’s grief. While acknowledging that there are no easy answers for the loss people feel when someone has died, it’s a difficult time, in Henry’s experience, “a memorial is something solid and tangible, that can help with the grieving process.”

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Stone Carving classes and tuition

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