Commissioning a memorial involves several practical decisions. The type of memorial, stone, size, shape, inscription, carving and setting all need to be considered before anything is made.
Burslem guides you through the memorial design process in a clear and measured way.
The first stage is a conversation. This may take place at our showroom, by phone or by email.
We will usually ask about:
You do not need to have everything decided before speaking to us. Some clients know exactly what they want. Others need help understanding what is possible.
A good memorial design needs to suit both the person being remembered and the place where the memorial will stand.
We will advise on stone selection, including granite, slate, limestone and sandstone. These materials all weather differently, and some are more suitable for particular churchyards or cemeteries than others.
The inscription is considered as part of the design. We look at wording, spacing, letter height, line breaks and long-term legibility.
Most memorial work requires permission from the churchyard, cemetery, council or other authority responsible for the setting.
Rules can affect the material, finish, size, shape, wording, fixing method and decorative detail. Churchyard regulations are often different from cemetery approvals, and local interpretation can vary.
We can help prepare the relevant paperwork, liaise with the authority and deal with the permit fee where required. If a particular idea is unlikely to be accepted, we will explain why and help you consider another suitable approach.
Most memorial work requires permission from the churchyard, cemetery, council or other authority responsible for the setting.
Rules can affect the material, finish, size, shape, wording, fixing method and decorative detail. Churchyard regulations are often different from cemetery approvals, and local interpretation can vary.
We can help prepare the relevant paperwork, liaise with the authority and deal with the permit fee where required. If a particular idea is unlikely to be accepted, we will explain why and help you consider another suitable approach.
Once the main decisions are clear, we can work up ideas and provide an estimate.
For inscriptions, we prepare the layout before the work is carried out. Names, dates, wording, spacing and line breaks can then be checked properly. This is an important stage, especially where future wording may need to be allowed for.
Nothing proceeds until the key details have been confirmed.
When the design, engraving and carving, estimates, and permissions are in place, the memorial can be made by our team.
Depending on the design and material, this may involve hand cutting, CNC cutting, sandblasting, carving, shaping, finishing or gilding. The method is chosen to suit the stone and the intended result.
We also manage memorial installation, working to the requirements of the relevant authority and the setting itself.
If you would like to discuss a headstone design, memorial inscription or the permissions involved, reach out to us.
Call 01892 750120 or email enquiries@burslem.co.uk.
You are also welcome to visit our showroom by appointment.
