This is one I carved 13 years ago! Cut from Chilmark (Wiltshire U.K.) stone, technically a sandstone due to the high silica content, but it looks, feels and behaves like a limestone. This is a triptych of stones to commemorate three young sisters tragically killed in a house fire. The tall headstone bears their names, whilst the two smaller stones either side each carry a quote. The headstone has come back to the studio for a little clean and an additional inscription. A good scrub with a stiff brush (hard nylon bristles) and plenty of warm soapy water are all that are required, then I rub over the surface with a diamond abrasive pad, again with plenty of warm water.
As the stone gradually dries out we can clearly see the difference (the top whiter section has already dried).
When fully dry the stone is set up on the easel for the additional inscription to be hand-drawn on. The stone must be bone dry otherwise the pencil will smudge and get into the porous surface making a terrible mess which can only be removed with abrasives. Finally the lettering is hand carved and the stone will be set back in place.
The headstone is on the trolley behind, a hole dug ready for it to be replaced. Here I am cleaning the two smaller stones either side of the main headstone.
The stone set back in place, my colleague Andy Parsons behind the stone!
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