Memorials & Headstones - Simon Burns-Cox

memorials & headstones in edinburgh

Choosing a memorial is a difficult task especially at the time of grief. I recommend to all my clients that they should wait for at least six months to a year after the death so that they can reflect on the life of the person they have lost and decide how they would like to commemorate them.

celebrating a life

A headstone is a symbolic way of celebrating a life using words, reliefs, and imagery. I will guide you gently through the whole process taking time to discuss your requirements at every stage.

I make bespoke hand carved traditional and contemporary memorial headstones in stone and marble. I do not work with granite as all my work is hand carved. My work as a sculptor and letter carver is bespoke and the headstones are unique artistic individual pieces of work.

How to commission a Memorial?

If you commission a memorial or headstone with me, there are various procedures that need to be done before work can begin. It is important to think about what you would like to create for the deceased so that it reflects their life in the way that you wish to remember them.

MEETING AND DISCUSSION
We will first have an initial meeting either face to face or by telephone and email to discuss your requirements. I try to work closely with the client to understand the life of the individual and make a memorial that will reflect and honour them.

DESIGN AND STONE SELECTION
There will be further discussions looking at designs, letter fonts, the size of the memorial, the type of stone to be used and carving and relief ideas. The lead times for ordering the stone can vary from 6 to 8 weeks or much more.

APPLICATION AND CEMETERY REGULATIONS
I will also help you with the cemetery and churchyard regulations and paperwork and the installation arrangements. Clients need to make an application to the cemetery for permission to erect a headstone before work begins. Once permission is granted, the stone can be ordered.

INSTALLATION
I do not install the headstones that I make but will speak to the cemetery about the design, type of stone to be used and the required dimensions. I will help you with the application form and check on installation requirements. I will also arrange with the cemetery for a recommended NAMM Stone Mason to install the headstone for you.

COMMISSIONING A MEMORIAL
If you decide to proceed, I will then send you an estimate with the costs involved and a commission agreement which we will both sign. A 50% deposit is required in advance before the work commences. The cost of the stone and the installation of the memorial by a registered NAMM stone mason are paid for seperately and in advance. Once the work is completed, the balance of the fees will be due before delivery.

TIMESCALE
Commissioning a memorial will take time from eight weeks to up to a year depending on the type of commission and my current workload.

faq

Memorials With Reliefs How much does a headstone cost?
Choosing the right words
Gravestone inscriptions
What is your epitaph?Headstone Installations Methods Types of Stone for Memorials