memorial carvings from Heath and Reach cemetery

I recently installed two memorials in Heath and Reach cemetery near Leighton Buzzard. They were both really great pieces to work on, both stones were commissioned by the same client, one for his wife and one for his brother. This client was very interested in ancient carvings and artefacts, a subject I’m very interested in too. This is reflected in my two designs, shown below.

While I was there I had a look around (as usual) and I found several interesting stones from the 1850’s-1890’s. This is not always a good period for memorial design and carving but the workshop that made these obviously enjoyed shaping stone and making really nice carvings.