Stone Sculpture by Irish Sculptor James McLoughlin
Hand-carved stone sculpture rooted in tradition and made for today.
Through his use of traditional hand carving tools and techniques, James produces intricate stone carvings and beautiful stone statues. Every project he works on is completely unique and he enjoys the challenge of turning raw blocks of stone into fine art pieces, meticulously hewing stone into brilliant pieces that his clients cherish for years to come.
As an Irish stone sculptor, James is proud to use locally sourced materials. The majority of his stone sculptures are crafted out stone that has been quarried in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Stone Sculpture in Ireland
As an artist, stone carvings and sculptures make up a large part of Jame’s McLoughlin’s practice. He uses traditional hand tools to coax incredible beauty out of stone, turning his clients’ ideas into reality and immortalising them into stone.
James trained in the traditional art of stone carving with hand tools at the City and Guild of London Art School and is proud to carry on the tradition of the great artists who preceded him.
The Art of Stone Carving
Stone carving is one of the oldest forms of artistic expression, a tradition that stretches back thousands of years. From the statues of Ancient Greece and Rome to the cathedrals of medieval Europe, sculptors have turned blocks of marble and limestone into enduring works of beauty and meaning. Great masters such as Michelangelo and Bernini elevated the craft to fine art, proving that stone could capture movement, emotion, and life itself.
James works within this same lineage. Using chisels, mallets, and hand tools that have changed little over centuries, he shapes each piece with patience and precision. The process is slow, deliberate, and physical conversation between the sculptor and the stone. In carrying forward the methods of his forefathers while adding his own contemporary vision, James creates sculptures that honour tradition while speaking in a distinctly modern voice.
Types of Stone Sculpture
Stone Carving
Jame’s mastery of his tools allows him to create incredibly interact stone carvings and precise lettering, reflecting a deep respect for his tools and materials. He has experience carving classic architectural work and was part of the stone restoration team working on the French Gothic style Cobh Cathedral, one of the most magnificent cathedrals in Ireland.
Stone Statues
James creates stone statues that feel grounded and honest, carved by hand using the same tools sculptors have used for centuries. He works directly with the stone, finding the right balance between detail and strength, so each piece has its own character. Some statues are figurative, some more abstract, but all are shaped with patience and care.
Commission a Stone Sculpture
There is little James enjoys more than the challenge and unique process of a stone sculpture commission. James finds inspiration in working closely with his clients to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art. The interactive and collaborative process of bringing his clients visions to life presents an artistic challenge and he finds the restrictive nature of creating a piece within the parameters of a client’s commission to be an artistically liberating experience.
If you are interested in immortalising yourself or a loved one in stone or are simply interested in commissioning a one-of-a-kind piece of art, James is open for commissions. James truly values his clients input so feel free to send him a message with as much detail as possible to begin the commissioning process.
Hand Carved Headstones
Alongside his fine art sculpture, James also creates bespoke hand carved headstones.
A Real Professional