Children's Letter Writing Project
Posted 31/03/20 in Workshop life
A project to send letters to the elderly in our community.
Blog
Can you order a headstone online?
Posted 24/03/20 in The Headstone Guide
Ordering a headstone online is not only possible but also far easier than you would imagine thanks to our new sourcebook of ideas and the use of the internet for exchanging photographs and ideas. You can still collaborate with Fergus in making a unique headstone.
Coronavirus fears: Choosing a headstone from home
Posted 15/03/20
In light of the Coronavirus outbreak, many of you will be unable to travel to visit the workshop. It is still perfectly possible to choose a headstone without visiting. Here I lay out how the process might work.
An alternative to the handshake -the “Namaste” greeting
Posted 09/03/20 in Workshop life
An alternative to the traditional handshake is the Indian "Namaste" greeting. I wanted to share this with you and I hope you will try it and share it with others. It makes you feel really connected with others.
Sympathy Flowers for Funerals- Beautiful Ideas and Inspiration
Posted 07/03/20 in The Headstone Guide • Bereavement Resources
Top local florist Rebecca Walker from Wild Flower Studios shares her approach to sympathy flower arrangements, with beautiful ideas and inspiration.
Headstones for Graves: 10 stunning designs
Posted 04/03/20
Our stunning headstones for graves are all individually hand-carved. Here are 10 recent examples of our beautiful memorials.
Choosing an epitaph- inspiration and advice
Posted 28/02/20 in The Headstone Guide • Bereavement Resources
This is a short video bringing together advice and inspiration on choosing a headstone epitaph.
14 Unique and Unusual Headstones
Posted 22/02/20 in The Headstone Guide
When choosing a headstone you may wish for something unusual or unique.
Supporting Maggie's Cancer Charity
Posted 14/02/20 in The Headstone Guide • Workshop life • Bereavement Resources
We will shortly be publishing a new book called Headstones- Advice and Inspiration and will be selling it to raise money for Maggie's Cancer Charity in Oxford.
Civil War Plaque for New College, Oxford
Posted 11/02/20 in Commemorative plaques
On the 30th April 2019, I was invited to the official unveiling of a plaque I created to mark the city of Oxford civil war ramparts.
Bespoke Memorial- What does this mean?
Posted 29/11/19 in The Headstone Guide
When people talk about commissioning a bespoke memorial, they search online for bespoke memorials and are offered a range of options by stonemasons. However, are they truly bespoke? Our memorials are completely bespoke, from start to finish and here we explain why.
Flower symbols and meanings on gravestones
Posted 21/10/19 in The Headstone Guide
Carvings of flowers often appear as a symbols on a gravestone often for their simple beauty. Here I share some of the symbolism associated with flowers and also provide inspiration and ideas.
Beautiful Words to Put on a Headstone
Posted 17/10/19 in The Headstone Guide • Bereavement Resources
Choosing beautiful words to put on a headstone is one of the most important stage of choosing a headstone. But what will be approved by the vicar? Here I share a list of epitaphs suggested by one of the dioceses themselves.
What is usually put on a Headstone?
Posted 16/10/19 in The Headstone Guide
What is usually put on a headstone? How do I choose a headstone inscription? These are the first questions people often ask, and a good place to begin when choosing a headstone.
Cotswold Pubs and Places to Stay
Posted 11/10/19 in Workshop life
Our workshop is located in the village of Milton under Wychwood in the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We are only just over an hours' drive from London, and there are some wonderful pubs to visit as well as many beautiful villages, should you decide to make a trip to the workshop part of an extended visit.
Cemetery Regulations for Installing Headstones - NAMM Standard BS8415
Posted 09/10/19
Whenever possible we install (fix) our headstones using the "Monolith" method, which fully complies with British Safety Standard BS8415 which must be met by most cemeteries. This method is clearly approved by the National Association of Memorial Masons.
WOBA - Winners of Micro Business Award 2019
Posted 11/06/19 in Workshop life
We were thrilled and honoured to be winners of a 2019 West Oxfordshire Business Award in the Micro-business category!
Purbeck Headstone - a Client's Review
Posted 11/06/19 in The Headstone Guide
A recent review received by a client after we made a headstone for her husband. The review captures the ethos of our workshop and the results we strive for.
Headstone Symbol- The Sun
Posted 17/05/19 in The Headstone Guide
We are often asked to carve a sun disc on our headstones. In this post I explore the rich symbolic meaning of the sun.
Accreditation and Insurance (RQMF)
Posted 01/03/19 in Workshop life
We are often asked if we are NAMM registered. NAMM (The National Association of Memorial Masons) has a register of approved fixers called the RQMF, which we are included on. We also have full public liability insurance up to £5 million.
West Oxfordshire Business Awards- Finalist!
Posted 14/02/19 in Workshop life
Last night Fergus attended a reception at the Burford Garden Company where the finalists for the West Oxfordshire Business Awards were announced and we were thrilled to learn we have been selected as one of the finalists! We are very proud of our team and our work.
West Oxfordshire Business Awards (WOBA) - Shortlisted
Posted 11/02/19 in Workshop life
We were delighted to be shortlisted for a West Oxfordshire Business Award 2019, in the category of Best Micro Business. We were visited by two members of the WOBA team and we were asked to share our business ethos and vision for the Workshop.
Headstone Symbols- The Boat
Posted 22/01/19 in The Headstone Guide
The image of a boat has been used on headstones for centuries by many civilizations. The boat lends itself well to carving, as it can be simplified and stylised. It is a romantic symbol, a symbol of a journey but also a symbol of safety and refuge.
Bible Verses for Headstones
Posted 13/12/18 in The Headstone Guide
A selection of Bible verses for headstone epitaphs which are both uplifting and comforting.
Choosing your Own Headstone
Posted 06/12/18 in The Headstone Guide
Have you even thought about choosing your own headstone? Leaving some guidance in your will could be a great help to your family.
Headstone Epitaphs: Expert Advice with 200+ Beautiful Ideas
Posted 01/10/18 in The Headstone Guide • Bereavement Resources
Fergus offers further advice on choosing an epitaph, with over 200 more examples from poetry, literature and lyrics.
The Royal Albert Hall Stars
Posted 20/09/18 in Workshop life
This summer I was involved in an exciting project at the Royal Albert Hall which we call the "Canopy of Stars", a walkway of stars dedicated to key players in the Hall's history.
Advice on coping with loss
Posted 13/07/18
Advice on dealing with the loss of a loved one, which brings me comfort. It reminds me how lucky I was to have been so loved and to have loved so deeply.
DIY or Family Led Funeral- Arranging a Funeral Yourself
Posted 08/06/18 in Bereavement Resources
Our experience of a DIY or family led funeral. We describe how we kept our mother at home and gave her the most beautiful and personal send off possible.
Diary of a Letter Carver - The Apprentice Panel
Posted 16/06/17 in Workshop life
Tom's third diary entry explains the importance of knowing your letterforms inside and out.
Help with Choosing a Meaningful Headstone
Posted 07/06/17
The task of commissioning a headstone can be a painful process as it can be perceived as a final act of saying goodbye. This can bring up many emotions and perhaps a reluctance to face them. If you find yourself in such a place, perhaps the process outlined below can help you.
Diary of an Apprentice Letter Carver -Week Two
Posted 02/05/17 in Workshop life
Our apprentice Tom Wiggins shares his experience during his second week at the Workshop. Fergus also demonstrates how to cut the letter "I".
The Diary of an Apprentice Letter Carver - Week One
Posted 28/04/17
Our new apprentice, Tom Wiggins shares his experience in the first of a series of blogs on his Diary of a Letter Carver.
Architectural Inscription at St Edward’s School, Oxford
Posted 27/03/17 in Commemorative plaques • Workshop life
This month James and I spent some glorious days in the sunshine carving a large architectural inscription at St Edward's School, Oxford.
Monumental Grief
Posted 10/03/17 in The Headstone Guide • Bereavement Resources
Are you struggling to find the right wording for your loved one's headstone? You should not have to do this alone. Kerry Ingham, a bereavement counsellor offers some direction and support.
A unique headstone for “Life Death Whatever”
Posted 10/10/16
This month I am proud to be a part of an exhibition at National Trust's Sutton House called "Life Death Whatever". I was asked to make a fine hand-carved headstone for the event.
Winner of Good Funeral Award 2016
Posted 15/09/16 in The Headstone Guide • Workshop life
Last week Stoneletters was the proud winner of a Good Funeral Award for "Best Maker of Hand Carved Memorials in an Indigenous Material". The award is a real accolade and testament to all of Fergus's hard work and devotion to his clients.
“Getting it Right” in the Workshop
Posted 13/06/16
What does "Getting it Right" mean? It is a journey that the client has felt part of, and when this happens, I feel we have "got it right".
The Importance of the Ears When Letter Cutting
Posted 10/06/16
Musings on the importance of the senses while carving letters....
Letter Carving Apprenticeship
Posted 09/05/16
We currently have an exciting opportunity for a new letter carving apprentice to join our team.
Letter Carving in Slate
Posted 17/03/16 in Workshop life
Capturing in great detail, the carving of letter D in slate. This video gives you a feel for the fluidity of the chisel with the hand, and the accuracy and attention to detail that is required to carve letters by hand.
Stillborn Poems, Quotes and Funeral Readings for Baby Loss
Posted 15/03/16 in Bereavement Resources
For anyone who has had a stillborn baby or has lost a child, I have compiled a selection of comforting poems and funeral readings. In time these may also provide inspiration or ideas for an epitaph or headstone quote.
Funeral Readings and Words of Comfort
Posted 04/02/16 in The Headstone Guide • Bereavement Resources
A collection of comforting funeral readings for funerals and memorial services. Words from these may also be inspiration for memorial epitaphs.
Funeral Poems to Comfort and Bring Peace
Posted 21/01/16 in The Headstone Guide • Bereavement Resources
Here is a list of funeral poems which I hope will provide some comfort and peace.
A Stunning Epitaph
Posted 11/01/16 in The Headstone Guide
Epitaphs from poems can be stunning from a distance, and if carved with great rhythm, they will draw people in to read the beautiful words.
Church of England Fees 2016
Posted 11/01/16 in The Headstone Guide
When you want to erect a new memorial or add an inscription to an existing memorial in a churcyard there is usually a fee to pay. Here is a list of the updated Church of England Fees for 2016.
What everyone should read before thinking about a headstone
Posted 10/12/15 in The Headstone Guide
I have been making headstones for fifteen years. I hope this article helps people who are thinking about a headstone. My biggest piece of advice is to take your time.
Oxfordshire Diocese Churchyard Regulations
Posted 17/11/15 in The Headstone Guide
This is a brief summary of the Oxfordshire Churchyard Regulations which apply to our clients. Clients are often worried about regulations, but vicars tend to be very helpful and encourage unique, hand carved headstones.
What words can I put on a headstone?
Posted 09/11/15 in The Headstone Guide • Bereavement Resources
I am often asked what wording is allowed on a headstone which is to go in a churchyard. Unfortunately, there are often no hard and fast rules. Below I shall summarise the main guidelines and offer advice based on over ten years' experience.
Letter Carving Tuition- A Short Visit to the Workshop
Posted 03/11/15 in Workshop life
Last October we had a visitor, a self-taught letter cutter to our workshop for three days. He has been kind enough to share his experience with us in this blog post.
Children’s Headstones - the most beautiful Epitaphs, Quotes and Inspiration.
Posted 08/10/15 in The Headstone Guide • Bereavement Resources
Choosing a headstone or memorial for a child must be the hardest thing to do. I have collected together some beautiful epitaphs and quotes for children as well as some examples of headstones which I hope will provide some comfort and inspiration.
Carving a Heraldic Crest in Stone
Posted 22/06/15 in Workshop life
The process of carving a heraldic crest of a choirboy playing B flat on a recorder, into Hopton Wood limestone.
Kensal Green Cemetery - a unique headstone
Posted 18/05/15 in Workshop life
A fine, unique headstone was made for the late Elizabeth Grant with a relief carving of a dove, which now sits in the beautiful Kensal Green Cemetery, London.
Gravestone Epitaphs from Poetry- some beautiful examples
Posted 06/05/15 in The Headstone Guide
Some beautiful examples of epitaphs inspired by poetry.
Cutting in the Clouds - Architectural Lettering
Posted 30/04/15 in Typography • Workshop life
An exhilarating video of a week cutting in the clouds. I love large scale architectural lettering and when the sun is shining there is no better place to be than up high with a chisel!
Gravestone installation - monolith or dowel?
Posted 23/03/15 in The Headstone Guide
Gravestone installation is a very important part of my work; I prefer to install all of my gravestones myself using the Monolith fixing method wherever possible. Here I explain how we fix our headstones, and I describe the pros and cons of monolith and dowel (pin) fixings.
Memorial design - a case study
Posted 15/01/15 in The Headstone Guide
A case study into the thought process and decision making that goes into choosing the wording of a memorial for Hugh Stubbs, by his daughter Kitty Allan.
Gravestone Symbols and Carvings- Meaning and Inspiration
Posted 06/01/15 in The Headstone Guide
Lettering is only a small part of a gravestone design. Almost all of my headstones incorporate a small carving of a symbol or motif. Choosing a symbol is often difficult and may be inspired by something your loved one was passionate about or simply an image from nature. Here are some symbols from my headstones which I hope will inspire you.
Headstone Epitaphs- 250 beautiful examples
Posted 13/10/14 in The Headstone Guide
Choosing a memorial quote or epitaph for a headstone can be very difficult. Here is a freshly updated list of tasteful epitaphs and quotes for headstones, many of which I have carved into headstones myself.
Official Opening Plaques - Do’s and Don’ts for choosing wording and material
Posted 18/09/14 in Commemorative plaques
Choosing the right wording and material for an official opening plaque is crucial. Here I list some do's and don'ts when deciding.
Letter Carver Fergus Wessel
Posted 15/09/14
This is my biography, the story of my path to becoming a letter carver. It began at an early age when I played with pieces of type on the floor of the Whittington Press.
Bespoke Headstones - have you seen such unique designs?
Posted 15/09/14 in The Headstone Guide
Have you ever seen a truly bespoke, hand carved headstone? These headstones are nothing like those seen in the catalogues of monumental masons. This selection of headstones is to give you an insight into our work.
Letter carving for the home and garden - 10 beautiful designs
Posted 14/09/14 in Typography • Workshop life
Lettering in stone can look stunning in a garden setting. Examples of our work include slate obelisks and garden wall plaques. Hand carved lettering in stone can also be used for sundials, bird baths, benches and water features.
Green Slate Headstones and Memorials - 10 stunning designs
Posted 14/09/14 in The Headstone Guide
A selection of 10 stunning green slate headstones and memorials to inspire you.
Traditional Headstones - is the UK seeing a revival?
Posted 12/09/14 in The Headstone Guide
Traditional headstones are seeing a slow but steady revival in our UK churches thanks in part to the internet where letter cutters are able to promote their fine work.
Headstone design -your questions answered
Posted 12/09/14 in The Headstone Guide
Here I address some of the most frequently asked questions about headstone design.
Portland Headstones - 7 unique designs
Posted 12/09/14 in The Headstone Guide
Portland Headstones to inspire you. Portland limestone is a natural British material which improves with weathering. These headstones give you an idea of the versatility of the stone, although the lettering needs to be large enough to read without the need to paint it, and in time as it weathers the letters need to be cut deep and large enough to remain legible. Carving letters along the edge is very effective.
Hand Carved Memorials- What makes ours unique?
Posted 11/09/14 in The Headstone Guide
Our hand carved memorials are hand made with meticulous attention to detail. This sets us apart from others.
Slate Headstones -10 inspiring designs
Posted 10/09/14 in The Headstone Guide
Here are 10 fine examples of hand carved slate headstones to inspire you.
Cleaning Gravestones
Posted 09/09/14 in The Headstone Guide
People often ask me about cleaning gravestones, and the answer I usually give is not to do so unless absolutely necessary! If you are determined to clean a gravestone, I share some tips in this article.
Headstone Materials- 7 of the best
Posted 05/09/14 in The Headstone Guide
Headstone materials- how do you choose? Here I list 7 of the best, all of which look beautiful in a natural churchyard setting.
Headstone Inscriptions & Epitaphs-Where do I begin?
Posted 05/09/14 in The Headstone Guide
Choosing an inscription for a headstone can be a daunting and stressful prospect. Here I offer advice to help you begin.
Cremation Memorials - the new headstones?
Posted 31/08/14 in The Headstone Guide
Are cremation memorials the new headstones? Lack of space means that cremation memorials are in demand. However there is scope for interesting and creative design.
Video: Hand carved lettering in stone
Posted 08/07/14 in Typography
Video of hand carved lettering in stone carved in Portland limestone.
Headstone materials - 8 questions you need to ask
Posted 08/07/14 in The Headstone Guide
Choosing the right headstone material is crucial and it is hard to know where to begin. Do you start with the inscription, or the stone? Here I suggest 8 questions you need to ask when considering what material to use.
How soon can I erect a headstone? 4 good reasons to wait
Posted 04/07/14 in The Headstone Guide
Choosing a headstone is a huge undertaking and should never be rushed. Do not feel hurried and pushed into deciding too soon. Here I share 4 good reasons to take your time.
Letter carving tools -13 tools you should never be without
Posted 04/07/14 in Workshop life
My list of the most important tools needed for letter carving in stone- a good starting point if you are beginning.
Ten tips for choosing a headstone inscription
Posted 13/05/14 in The Headstone Guide
Here are my top ten tips for choosing a headstone inscription, one of the most challenging part of commissioning a headstone.
Dying Wishes
Posted 12/05/14 in The Headstone Guide
Dying Matters commissions new study which shows that half of all couples do not know how their partner would like to depart this world.
Alan Titchmarsh’s Crest
Posted 10/05/14 in Workshop life
Crest carved in limestone for Alan Titchmarsh
Garden Wall Plaque
Posted 06/05/14 in Typography
Lettering in Hopton Wood stone; a garden wall plaque with musings of the great Ivor Cutler.
Bespoke memorials
Posted 26/04/14 in The Headstone Guide
This beautiful bespoke memorial was meticulously shaped by hand to make a fine, smooth pebble stone.
Fixing the sundial into position
Posted 29/03/14 in Workshop life
I love making sundials, because there are rules to be followed. They have to be just right otherwise they have no function.
Sundial in progress
Posted 26/03/14 in Workshop life
The latest sundial in the workshop in progress.
Letters & Pots - A visit to Winchcombe Pottery
Posted 25/03/14 in Typography
A visit to Winchcombe Pottery where I worked for six years, and reflections on the path which took me to lettering and the link between letters and pots.
Eric Gill and Pigotts
Posted 18/03/14 in Workshop life
A wonderful afternoon spent visiting Pigotts, Eric Gill's former home: a fascinating place steeped in history. I trained under Lida Kindersley, who was married to David Kindersley. He in turn trained under Eric Gill, so my work owes much to Eric Gill's tradition.
Circular headstone epitaph
Posted 10/03/14 in The Headstone Guide
Circular lettering for a headstone epitaph.
Egyptian Hieroglyph
Posted 25/02/14 in Typography
Beautiful Egyptian hieroglyph of quail chick.
Sundial
Posted 25/02/14 in Workshop life
Gilding a sundial in the workshop.
Buscot Park Obelisk Sundial
Posted 23/07/13 in Workshop life
This winter I was asked to carve and build an obelisk sundial for Buscot Park to celebrate the diamond jubilee of HM The Queen. But this was no ordinary Egyptian copy. For a start it has 6 sides rather than 4 and its main function is to hold a vertical sundial.
Antarctic Memorial Dedication in St Paul’s Cathedral
Posted 18/05/11 in Commemorative plaques
The Antarctic Memorial plaque I carved was dedicated following a special Evensong on 10 May 2011. Here is a photograph of the finished plaque.
Memorial Plaque for St Paul’s Cathedral
Posted 18/02/11 in Commemorative plaques
In 2008 I was asked to help create a memorial for St Paul's Cathedral to commemorate those who died in pursuit of scientific knowledge in Antarctica.
Holywell Music Room Stone Carving
Posted 30/09/09 in Workshop life
Last year we were invited to submit a design for a stone carving to go above the proposed new doorway of the Holywell Music Room in Oxford.