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We work with a variety of materials, from Welsh slate to granite and wood. You can find further information about these materials and choices of how they can be shaped and prepared here.
Welsh Slate
This is our most commonly used material as it is our local stone. Welsh slate is very dense and so is an excellent carving stone which, unlike some imported slates, withstands weathering extremely well. These qualities have made it a popular choice for headstones and outdoor signage for many generations. It also polishes up beautifully and is traditionally used in homes as windowsills, hearths and fire surrounds. Most of the examples shown in our galleries are blue/grey slate from Aberllefenni and Blaenau Ffestiniog, but we can also order in other Welsh slates such as purple slate from North Wales and green slate if requested.
Cut & Polished
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Rectangular or square plaques with a uniform polished surface have a very classy look to suit many situations. The slate has to be cut and polished by machine and then is hand polished further to soften sharp edges and remove any saw marks. The flat surface really brings out the quality and crispness of the hand carved letters, and the polishing brings out the beautiful natural colour and grain of the slate. We can supply chunky thick plaques (25mm approx) or thinner plaques (15mm approx). For examples, see our Name Plaques, Memorials and Celebratory gifts galleries. We can offer a choice of fixing methods for wall hung plaques.
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Natural
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If you're looking for something a bit different, with a more rustic feel, then you could go for a naturally shaped piece of slate. The are all sorts of beautiful shapes formed naturally or when larger pieces are split in the traditional way. Jon hand picks the pieces himself. They are all so different and unique that we like to email you a photo of the piece we have in mind for you and can often give you a choice of pieces based on your requirements. See our Rustic Signs and Natural Slate Sculptures galleries for examples.
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Natural with cut & polished surfaces
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A popular option is to use a natural piece and cut one or more sides. For example a naturally shaped plaque could have a cut and polished face or a cut rectangular plaque could have a natural surface. Examples can be seen in our Memorials gallery.
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Granite and other stones
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Jon is also experienced in carving and letter cutting in granite. He regularly inscribes additional names onto existing polished granite headstones through our local Memorials company and can provide lettering and relief carving on granite beach pebbles, for example. Often customers approach us with their own piece of stone which is special to them, to be inscribed. We are happy to work in this way but would need to see the stone (or a photograph of it) so that we can assess it's suitability for carving. We can order in granite and other types of stone for projects if requested. |
Wood
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Although much of our commissioned work is currently in stone, Jon is also a talented wood carver, creating beautiful celtic sculptures in wood, and has recently created a Celtic Lime wood cross for a church in Northumberland, see our Public Works gallery. |
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