Mark Stafford
Mark Stafford specialises in creating unique hand-carved memorials which are individually designed and created, using traditional techniques, to celebrate the unique life of the person being remembered.
This is accomplished by understanding the clients needs, listening to their ideas, selecting a stone appropriate for the situation and considering the memorials location and the clients available budget. The variety of skills offered includes: Memorial Design, Letter cutting, Carving, Stonemasonry, Gilding, Sculpting, Restoration The cost of a bespoke memorial can be tailored to suit most budgets and is comparable with the mass-produced headstones imported from Europe and Asia.
CURRICULUM VITAE
Mark Stafford comes from a long line of traditional stonemasons dating back to the 1700’s in the High Peak area of Derbyshire. Having undertaken extensive training courses in England and in Italy he is a highly experienced Master Stonemason who, in addition to creating bespoke memorials, also has a masters degree in stone conservation and specialises in the conservation and restoration of historic buildings. Before starting his own business in March 2003, he was the Head Stonemason for three internationally important Grade I listed sites in Nottinghamshire: Nottingham Castle, Wollaton Hall and Newstead Abbey. He has undertaken work for English Heritage, The National Trust, The Churches Conservation Trust, and numerous Local Authorities, parish churches, and country estates and has built a very good reputation not only for his high standards and quality of craftsmanship but also reliability, value for money and good service. Using traditional tools and methods, allied to modern techniques where appropriate, he is able to carry out projects, both large and small, from initial survey, design and carving the stone to the final fixing and finishing, thereby ensuring that all projects receive the same care and attention to detail.