Stone Carving Projects
A selection of bespoke stone carving, traditional hand-cut lettering, memorials, stone signs and commissions created by AJB Stonecraft in North Yorkshire and beyond.
Scarborough Civilian War Memorial – Hand-Carved Stone Lettering
A hand-carved memorial plaque commemorating the civilians who lost their lives during the bombardment of Scarborough in December 1914.The stone was individually carved and traditionally letter-cut by hand, with the plaque carefully shaped to follow the curved profile of the wall. A particularly meaningful commission combining traditional craftsmanship, precision and respect for the history it represents.
“Detail of the plaque, curved to fit the profile of the cairn.”
Previous Stonework & Heritage Projects
A selection of earlier stonework projects demonstrating over two decades of experience working with natural stone, including restoration, traditional masonry and dry stone walling.
Dry stone walling
Garden wall rebuild
Thornton Le Dale.
This wall was becoming dangerous to users of the path to say the least.
It's largely retaining- the land is a lot higher on the neighbouring side, so as the old wall was dismantled earth was removed, as were roots which had grown into the wall.
There wasn't sufficient top stones to do a good job so I selected some from a nearby quarry, and also supplemented the existing stone with some of this to increase the height slightly and also replace any that had crumbled.
This Ryedale limestone has a lovely golden hue and is a pleasure to work with, easily obtainable too.
BEFORE
DETAIL
AFTER
The neighbour's (retained) side
ROSELEA –
Hand-Carved Stone House Sign
A bespoke hand-carved stone house sign created in natural Yorkshire stone, with the name “ROSELEA” traditionally cut by hand.Designed to sit naturally within the surrounding stonework, the lettering combines traditional craftsmanship with a strong, individual character. Each stone sign can be designed and carved to suit the property, choice of stone and lettering style.
Field wall rebuild
Glaisdale
This wall had obviously been down for decades and the clients inclusion on Natural England's Stewardship scheme meant funds were available to return this sandstone wall to its former glory and use.
There was a lot of stone to sort, tidy blocks on one side and rougher random stone on the other- "like with like", through stones every metre, as is typical of the local style.
Some of this wall is on a steep slope which involves stepping the courses into the slope and striking a topline following the contours of the land.
The most important aspect on a rebuild such as this is getting the footings good and solid so the wall will withstand stock, the elements and ground movement for many decades to come.
BEFORE
The wall end at base of the slope
AFTER
Examples of ornamental dry stone walling
Spiral with steps, note seat on inner curve.
Seat with pebble mosaic, Manor rd cemetery secret garden, Scarborough.
Designed with the castle and sea in mind- something imaginative for youngsters to enjoy. Not pure dry stone- there is mortar in there to make it climb proof.
Pebble mosaic border.
Arch at head of restored cascade,
Ebberston Hall.
Corner piece with monastic pillars,
Whitby abbey.
Steps as part of a design.
