Business Details
39 Years
experience
Hand-Carved Stone Memorials & Sculptures in Bath
Established in 1987 following formal sculpture training at Bath Academy of Art, our studio specialises in hand-carved lettering, stone memorials and bespoke sculptures. With over three decades of experience in architectural conservation and artistic practice, we combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design sensibilities. Our solar-powered workshop near Bath serves as the creative hub for producing headstones, cremation tablets, house signs and public art installations. Clients include prestigious institutions like The National Trust and Bath Abbey, alongside private commissions for gardens and interiors across the UK and internationally.We maintain rigorous attention to detail while adhering to heritage conservation principles, ensuring each piece bears the unmistakable warmth of handcrafted artistry. Our process incorporates client consultation, design development, regulatory approvals and meticulous stone selection, with typical project timelines spanning 6-12 months. The studio actively contributes to the arts sector through teaching engagements and participation in national exhibitions.
Services
Hand-carved lettering
Stone memorials
Garden sculptures
Public art commissions
House signs
Cremation tablets
Date stones
Foundation stones
Fine art sculptures
Architectural carvings
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of specialist stone carving experience
- Our solar-powered studio demonstrates environmental commitment
- We provide complete project management from design to installation
- Our portfolio includes prestigious public art commissions
- We work with diverse British and Irish natural stone materials
Services
Memorial Headstones
Crafting bespoke headstones that honour individual stories through hand-carved lettering and artistic detailing. Each memorial combines traditional stonework with personal elements to create lasting tributes. Our process ensures compliance with cemetery regulations while maintaining artistic integrity.
Public Art Commissions
Creating site-specific sculptures and inscriptions for public spaces that explore connections between people and places. Recent projects include Cotswold Way marker stones and memorial artworks for cultural institutions. Each commission integrates environmental context with meaningful narratives.
Garden Sculptures
Designing and carving stone sculptures that enhance garden environments through texture, form and poetic inscriptions. Works range from standing stones to intricate plaques, blending natural materials with contemporary design for both private and public gardens.
House Signs
Producing custom house signs and date stones that combine functionality with artistic expression. Available in various British stone types, these pieces offer permanent, elegant solutions for property identification with bespoke lettering and decorative elements.
Fine Art Sculptures
Creating contemporary sculptures that explore the relationship between human figures and natural landscapes. Using salvaged materials and hand-carved text, these pieces convey meditative connections between physical presence and environmental context through elemental forms.
People
Iain Cotton
Sculptor & Owner
Graduated with 2:1 in Sculpture from Bath Academy of Art (1987), trained at Nimbus Conservation, and has completed prestigious commissions including Cotswold Way markers. Specialises in hand-carved lettering and stone memorials with over 30 years' experience.
Questions
What materials do you work with for memorials?
We primarily use British and Irish limestones, sandstones and slates, carefully selected for their carving properties and durability.
Can you create memorials for children?
Yes, we sensitively craft special memorials for babies, children and young people, incorporating appropriate design elements and wording.
Do you work outside the UK?
While based in Bath, we've completed international commissions with clients in America, Japan, France and Malaysia.
How long does a memorial project take?
From consultation to installation, most projects take 6-12 months to ensure proper design development and stone sourcing.
Can I visit your workshop?
Clients are welcome to visit our solar-powered studio near Bath to observe the carving process firsthand.
Do you teach stone carving?
We occasionally offer one-to-one tuition in stone carving and lettering techniques at our workshop.
