Headstones and memorials are among the most important and heartfelt commissions I do. I produce unique, bespoke, hand carved and lettered stones in slate or stone. From the first I work with the client to develope and clarify their idea of an appropriate memorial to their loved one. A process which can have several stages, including:

* Initial thoughts and ideas which can necessitate sketches of different ideas.

* Developing the wording to go on the stone including the style and colour of the lettering.

* Choice of the type of stone

* If required an accurate scale drawing of the finished idea to show the client how the completed memorial may look.

* Keeping the client up to date as to the progress of the work. Often this entails E-mailing the client with photos.

* Arranging for the fixing of the stone and helping with any forms which need to be filled in for Churchyards and Cemeteries.

* This whole process can take some time and it is important not to rush it to ensure that the client is happy with the finished stone.    
 

A fireplace can be the centre piece of the whole house. Therefore to get the design right is very important. I would always need to see the room and the building into which the fireplace is going, to judge the style of the building and taste of the client.

* We provide a design service starting with an appreciation of the setting into which the fireplace will fit.  

* The chimney breast and surround is measured and the size and type  of fireplace discussed with the client.

* Matching stone inserts and hearth are sometimes required for the fireplace .

* The colour of stone is considered and the type of embellishment, if any, required.

* A drawing is often produced at this stage to give an idea of the finished fireplace surround.

* Keeping the client up to date with the progress of the work-usually by e-mailing photos.

* Fixing if required, This starts with the hearth and with a large fireplace can take several days.

Architectural Carving is any carved decoration which is an integral part of the building it adorns.

* I have produced many carvings over the years, in different styles and types of stone.

* My work has been placed on Churches, Colleges and other public buildings as well as for many private clients.

* I have worked with many Architects and Construction Companies and am used to working to deadlines and budgets.

* In many instances the accurate copying from a damaged original is required- accurate measurements taken if possible and often a number of photos taken. I have a thorough understanding of the techniques involved in matching a new carving to old masonry.

 * Here is a small sample sample of the many carvings I have created over the years.

The human form is an important part of my art and I am always pleased to get commissions which include figurative work. I often produce a model or maquette before carving directly into the stone. I have carved a sculpture of myself and my three children for Sainsburys' in Wrexham,  and  an angel for St. Brigid's School. Denbigh, N. Wales. As well as many smaller carvings for a garden setting or part of interior design.

Lettering and House names are my " bread and Butter " the work I am most asked to do.This being so, each piece is still unique and requires close attention to the style, form of the lettering, spacing around the words and overall design.

* Each plaque is always hand lettered and I can reproduce any style and size of letter. 

* I use a variety of stones: Slate, Sandstone, and limestone. 

* Although some pieces are too heavy to transport most House Names and plaques can be posted to the clients on completion.

* I can provide information on fixing in and if required fixings as well.

* The letters often require some sort of colour ranging from enamel paint to silver aluminium and Gold Leaf. All these finishes weather well.

* Sometimes I am asked to produce raised letters which requires more work but always produces lettering which is effective and reads well. 

The necessity of showing a prospective client an idea of how an finished piece may look means that often producing a sketch or drawing is the first step in making a carving.

Initial drawings can be modified or changed as the idea for the piece develops and I can E-mail the client several times with different drawing and suggestions before a concept is finalised. In this way he or she is kept informed.

Clay or wax models can be initial sketches but  also be the final idea from which the finished stone carving is developed, often being "scaled up" as the model is made a third or quarter the size.

Repairing broken or eroded stonework is one of the most satisfying parts of our work. Julie and I often share this work and she is a great expert at putting quite complicated pieces back together. Sometimes missing parts have to be re-carved and made to look old to match existing stonework.

We also renovate headstones; re-cutting, painting and gilding letters as required. We try to do this in the churchyard or cemetery without moving the stone as it is both cheaper for the client and with less chance of damaging the headstone.  Recently we have restored a number of war memorials in commemoration of the Hundredth Anniversary of the start of World War 1.  

Animal sculptures can either be realistic carvings trying to capture the essential nature of the creature in question or heraldic beasts often with design element for the adornment of Cathedrals,Churches and other buildings.

Over the years I have been commissioned to carve various animals in various ways and have always enjoyed the experience as there is a freedom to the carving which is not always applicable to figurative sculpture.

Portraits of favourite pets can be realised in stone and can be 3-dimentional or relief carvings. 

My latest Project has been a five foot high carved head of " Brymbo Man " for Wrexham Museum, N. Wales. Brymbo Man is a facial reconstruction from a 3000 year old Bronze Age Skull found some fifteen years ago in Brymbo, Wrexham which has pride of place in the Museum. A five foot stone version was commissioned for the redevelopment of the forecourt.

Other projects have been, a Plaster model of foliage for an ongoing project in Leeds and a slate fireplace made for my daughter, Rosie.

Julie produces faith based sculptures in stone and other materials. Her work has been created for various religious organizations in North Wales. The sculptures are always a vivid expression of her deeply held belief.