Can I visit you?
We would love to see you! It’s best if you phone ahead on 01223 362170 to arrange a suitable time. You can find us carving away at: 152 Victoria Road, Cambridge, CB4 3DZ. Please see our full contact details here.
How much do you charge?
The cost of our work is directly related to the material and the amount of work involved. We charge by the day so the size, the material, the amount of text and any additional carving all contribute to the cost of a project.
How long will it take?
The same factors that influence cost (see above) influence the duration of a project; working stone is a slow business. Something small can take weeks; something large, months. We often suggest a time frame of 6 months from initial enquiry to completion. Please also see below for working to deadlines.
Do you work to deadlines?
Yes, we often work towards opening and commemoration dates, as well as significant dates for memorials. This is something we can discuss during an initial enquiry and let you know if it is a possibility.
Do you offer apprenticeships?
We do, apprenticeships are an important part of the workshops history and philosophy, please read more about our apprenticeships here.
Do you offer short courses?
Unfortunately not, our philosophy of apprenticeship means we only take those who are willing to commit to a minimum of three years. Find out more about our apprenticeships here.
Do you give talks or lectures?
We do. Please contact us here to discuss your requirements.
Do you work all over the UK?
Yes, in fact our work can be seen all over the world.
How do I clean a stone?
We only advise you to use water and a soft bristled brush, such as a toothbrush, to give a gently scrub to the surface. Depending on this stone this will offer different results, slate can come up like new, whilst limestone’s will take on the colours environment more permanently. Chemical treatment may offer immediate results but could result in unfortunate long-term damage, please contact us if you are concerened before doing anything drastic. If you are yet to commission from us, this is something we would discuss with you at an initial meeting.
What happens if you make a mistake?
Though mistakes do not often occur, they can happen. There are a number of things we can do. We can re-cut – this is the best solution and if the mistake were ours this is what we would do. Alternatively we can ‘rub out’ the mistake by chiselling away and rubbing smooth a large area around the mistake. Lastly, we can fill the mistake, which on the whole we are against; it can be made to look good but will not age in the same way as the stone.
Can you cut any typeface?
We draw our lettering by hand at every stage, and therefore don’t typically carve typefaces. Our lettering is based on a deep understanding of classical inscriptions and a rich history of Workshop letterforms. We can use this knowledge to tailor our lettering to suit your needs, whether that is representing a loved one, or adapting to an environment or material.
How long will the lettering last?
We carve lettering in stone to last, but with that said there are of course variables. Factors such as the choice of material, the size of lettering, and the position of the stone all impact the way the lettering will weather. During an initial enquiry we can discuss which stones will best suit your needs.