Hand Carved Headstones by James McLoughlin
Grave markers are a simple and respectful way to honour someone’s final resting place. Typically lying flat on the ground, these markers often include a name, dates, and a short inscription.
Unlike factory-made options, each grave marker made by James McLoughlin is crafted by hand. Every piece is made to order, with attention to detail and respect for the person it represents. Whether carved in natural Irish slate stone or Portland stone quarried in England, each marker is carefully designed to suit its surroundings and purpose.
No two pieces are the same. Each one is shaped with care to reflect the memory it’s meant to hold.
Grave Markers by James McLoughlin
James McLoughlin is an award-winning sculptor based in Cobh, Cork, where he carves custom grave markers, bespoke headstones, and bronze sculptures by hand for clients across Ireland, the UK, and beyond.
James trained at the City and Guilds of London Art School, where he received a scholarship and won the William Wheeler Wood Carving Award. With a background in traditional stone carving, he’s worked on a wide range of projects from restoring Cobh Cathedral to carving a statue of Olympian Sonia O’Sullivan to private commissions for clients including Sheikh Mohammed of Dubai.
Each custom marker is carved in James’s studio using traditional tools. James puts an inordinate level of care and attention into each piece he creates, whether it’s a large monument or a small marker.
Choosing the Right Custom Grave Plaque
If you’re unsure as to what type of memorial is best, that’s completely normal. The process of preparing a loved one’s final resting place can be overwhelming, but thankfully, James is available to help you navigate the process. James can explain the differences between headstones, markers, and plaques and help you find the right fit.
Grave markers lie flat at the head of a grave, while plaques are often smaller and can be fixed to a surface or placed within a larger memorial. Some cemeteries have guidelines on size, placement, or material, and James can help you figure out what is suitable for your location.
There are many reasons why a family may choose a custom grave marker for their loved one’s resting place. Some families prefer smaller markers for their simplicity or because of space or budget limitations. Others choose a grave marker simply because it represents the deceased best. Whatever reason you choose, James will create something personal and enduring.
Custom Grave Markers Made Personal
Every marker James creates is shaped through direct conversation with the family. Most clients come with a general idea as to what they are looking for, such as a phrase, a feeling, or a simple request. From there, James helps turn that into a finished design.
The process is straightforward and supportive. James will guide you through materials, size, and wording, and can incorporate meaningful elements such as religious symbols, family heritage, or personal interests. If there’s an existing headstone or plot, he can design something that complements the space.
Each marker is carved by hand with careful attention to the stone’s natural lines and texture. The result is a marker that feels thoughtful, appropriate, and unique to the person it commemorates.
Testimonials
