Wood & Stone Bronze Sculpture

James McLoughlin

“A true work of art, is but a shadow of the divine” – Michaelangelo

Irish Sculptor

Born in Cobh, Co. Cork, Ireland James was awarded with the Grinling Gibbons Scholarship at the City and Guilds of London Art School in 2001 and successfully completed his 3 year diploma (Degree Equivalent) in Historical Wood Carving in 2004. The City and Guilds is one of the last remaining schools that teach Sculpture in a traditional way. This disciplined way of training was used through-out the ages, up until the 21st century until most Art Colleges disregarded this way of teaching towards a more modern way of teaching.

Cork-based Sculptor

James was awarded the William Wheeler Wood Carving Award for outstanding work at the City and Guilds of London Art School.

Woodcarving

After completing college James gained his work experience from Carvers and Gilders of London where he specialized in 16th, 17th & 18th Century style carved furniture. This was a fantastic grounding to the work ethics of professional woodcarving. Learning from the Master Carver “Christine Palmer” who has over 40 years experience and is regarded as one of the top carvers in Britan today.

Carvers and Gilders has worked and advised on many large restoration projects. These include furniture belonging to the Royal Collection at Hampton Court, Kensington Palace, Windsor Castle, Osborne House and the Queens’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace to name just a few.

Commission a Sculpture

James completed the Sonia O Sullivan Bronze Statue in 2015 and has worked on two large commissions for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid (The Ruler of Dubai) among many others. He is constantly talking on new and challenging commissions from his studio in Cobh, Co. Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Start by giving James a call or making an appointment to visit the workshop. Don’t worry if you’re not sure exactly what you’re looking for—this initial contact will help get the process started and give you a feel for whether working with James is the right fit for your needs.

James primarily works with stone quarried in Ireland and England. He commonly uses Kilkenny Limestone, Valentia Slate, Portland Stone, and Sandstone. Each piece is selected specifically for the individual commission.

Absolutely. Many of those “shiny” headstones are imported granite pieces, often machine-finished and mass-produced. James offers bespoke designs that are handcrafted and tailored to reflect your family’s individual style and taste.

Each headstone is uniquely designed, so pricing varies. The best thing to do is reach out to James for a quick chat or email—he’ll provide guidance and a range of estimates to suit different budgets.

Take your time and involve your family in the decision. Draw inspiration from poetry, lyrics, literature—or anything meaningful to you. As the saying goes, “Once written in stone…”

This depends on the regulations of the cemetery. It’s important to check for any height restrictions or permit requirements. James can handle these arrangements on your behalf or offer guidance as needed.

Yes, James frequently works across Ireland and occasionally in England. If the location is particularly distant, it may be more cost-effective to hire a local mason, but James will advise you on the best approach.