The following is a short explanation of the
commissioning process and includes the answers to
some frequently asked questions:
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All enquiries are welcome. After
an initial chat, the client may
visit the workshop, or where
possible and appropriate a site
visit will be made where
preliminary details of the project
will be discussed.
Some clients may have a fully
developed idea of what they
require, whilst others may have
none. Discussions will range from
what the object is to be, whom it
is for, where it will be sited
etc., to any time restrictions the
client may have.
The design of the piece can be
taken in any direction as the work
progresses, but will initially
focus on the following:
Material — e.g. limestone,
sandstone, slate, marble ,
etc.
Size and shape — which may
be partly determined by the
length of text, location ,
etc.
Style of lettering — e.g.
formal, traditional, modern,
capitals, italic, raised ,
etc.
Decoration — e.g. carving,
gilding, painting, surface
texture (such as smooth or
riven).
The cost of a finished piece can
vary considerably. In general, it
will depend on a number of factors,
such as the material chosen, the
length of the text, complexity of
the design, whether on-site fixing
is required and so on.
Once an outline design has been
established, an estimate for the
work can be given. As a rough
example, a simple house-name carved
on limestone may cost £125.
However, a house-name carved on
finest welsh slate with a complex
circular design, incorporating
flourished letters and carving,
could be £500 or more. A wide range
of options can be discussed to suit
the available budget.
The length of time it will take
to carry out a project depends on
the scale and complexity of the
job. Where timescale is important,
the client's preferred schedule
should be discussed at the outset
of the job to ensure that it can be
met.
Planning permission, permits or
faculties may be required for
inscriptions in public places,
churchyards and churches
respectively. This can be organised
on the client's behalf, as
appropriate.
The process of making the piece
will begin with ideas and sketches
being discussed with the client.
When a satisfactory design has
evolved, a final drawing will be
provided for approval. Sometimes
the design process will take longer
than the actual carving. The
drawing is then transferred to the
stone, which will usually have been
ordered to specification and cut to
shape by the quarry masons. Carving
will be followed by
gilding/painting etc as
appropriate.
The client is most welcome to
view the progress of the work at
any stage, either in person or via
e-mail/photos, etc.
On completion, the stone can be
delivered to the client, or fixed
in-situ as originally
discussed.
If you would like further information about
any aspect of the commissioning process Jane will
be very happy to assist. Please visit her
Contact
page to get in touch.
