Memorial design

The text on the headstone will depend on the client’s demands, but should be kept to a minimum to retain the strength and overall look. A simple inscription in stone is far more aesthetically pleasing, and has more visual strength, than a memorial that is covered in too much text; certainly less is more. Tall and narrow headstones are often more elegant and graceful than short and wide stones, but we will often have rules and regulations of the churchyard to contend with. Over the years however, I have found that independent letter carvers who make good hand carved headstones are supported and encouraged. Memorials must celebrate the life of the person for whom they record, and clients often want a motif or particular lettering style to do so. Lettering or carvings on a headstone may sometimes be painted, or in some cases gilded. It is important to take the weathering process into consideration, as the headstone should improve with time.