Limestone Headstones
Timeless memorials hand-carved from natural limestone.
The smooth and even grain of limestone can sometimes be interrupted by fossil inclusions, creating a completely unique piece. The even grain also makes it easy to work with. The stone carves beautifully and holds inscriptions well. This allows for James to carve crisp inscriptions and intricate details.
While it may be soft enough to make it easy to carve, limestone is still incredibly durable and ages well, sometimes even developing a lovely patina. Limestone headstones last for centuries to come, even in harsh Irish weather conditions.
Limestone Headstones Hand Carved in Ireland
Limestone was the stone of choice for kins and pharaohs. The variety of colours and the velvety finish make it suitable for statues and headstones alike.
James uses locally quarried limestone to create his hand carved limestone memorials including Blue Limestone quarried in County Kilkenny and Portland Stone quarried on the Isle of Portland in Dorset, England.
Why Choose Limestone?
Limestone is a smooth grained stone comprised from marine sediment that has been compacted over millions of years.
Its texture and durability have made it a popular choice for buildings, sculptures, and memorials for centuries. Perhaps the most famous limestone memorial is the Great Pyramid of Giza which is made out of a bright Egyptian limestone.
Other famous limestone structures include St. Paul’s Cathedral in London which is constructed out of Portland Stone and the English House of Parliament which is made from a sand-coloured English limestone.
As evident by these magnificent and ancient structures, limestone ages beautifully, making it an ideal choice for a loved one’s memorial.
Limestone comes in a variety of colours, from a bright cream to a deep grey blue. Its silky-smooth texture makes it prefect for detailed hand carving which will maintain its shape for centuries to come even in the harsh Irish weather.
Custom Limestone Memorials for Your Loved One
James will gently guide you through the process of commissioning a custom limestone memorial for your lost loved one. Every memorial piece James creates comes about through a deeply personal and collaborative process with the bereaved family.
The commissioning process begins with a conversation with James about the type of memorial you would like and James will help you pick between Portland Stone and Kilkenny Blue Limestone.
From there, you will discuss the inscription and personalised decorations. As a skilled sculptor, James can incorporate personalised details such as flowers, symbols, or intricate script to reflect the personality and hertiage of the deceased.
Once a design has been agreed upon, James will create some sketches for approval and order the stone. After the design is fully approved, James will get to work. As the limestone headstone is completely hand carved, the entire process can take anywhere from 2 to 3 months.
About the Sculptor
James McLoughlin is an award-winning Irish sculptor working out of his studio in Cobh, County Cork. James has been creating bespoke pieces for decades, using his innate artistic ability and professional training from the City and Guilds of London Art School to bring his client’s visions to life.
James’ work can be found around the world in private collections and public installations. His limestone headstones and memorials are scattered across Ireland and the UK where their timeless presence beautifully memorialises the person they were commissioned to represent.
Everything James creates is completely hand made using traditional hand carving tools. James is dedicated to preserving traditional stone working methods and is proud to do so using locally quarried stone.
Testimonials
Courteous, Skilled and Talented