Your vision set in stone
ABOUT
The Dorset Stone Carver specialises in beautiful, hand crafted and bespoke stonework and sculpture. All pieces are hand carved in house by Ben Russell, a traditionally trained stone carver, letter carver and sculptor.
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By using traditional tools and techniques alongside specialist equipment Ben is able to undertake all manner of projects whilst working closely with clients to ensure that they are happy with every last detail of his work.
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All products are carved from natural stone and are completely unique.
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Ben has worked extensively within the heritage industry and alongside artists, designers and architects to create stunning ornamental stonework, bespoke promotional items, eye catching signage, luxurious lifestyle objects and much more. A reproduction service can be offered for other sculptors where Ben is able to work from other artists designs or models. He also creates original memorials, headstones, house signs and one off pieces for individuals and private clients from his workshop near Bridport in West Dorset.
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Ben's sculptural work is largely inspired by nature and organic form. To view some of his recent pieces please visit benrussell.co.uk
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Contact us regarding your project
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SERVICES
Stone carving
Letter carving
Engraving
Memorials
Headstones
Grave markers
House signs
Garden sculpture
Promotional items
Reproduction carving for individuals and artists
Stone carving courses for individuals or small groups
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We often have off cuts of marble, limestone, alabaster and onyx from previous projects so can sometimes offer rough blocks and smaller sizes for purchase. It can sometimes be difficult to source smaller dimensions direct from quarries so please feel free to get in touch with your requirements and we will see what we have available
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OUR STORY
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The Dorset Stone Carver was founded by Ben Russell, an experienced stone carver, stone mason, conservator, letter carver and sculptor.
After taking an interest in sculpture as a young man Ben went to Weymouth College to learn all aspects of working with and caring for stone. Having learnt a wide range of skills he went on to specialise as a stone carver by training at the City and Guilds of London Art School. Here Ben gained the high level of skill required to help him find his way into the competitive world of stone carving and conservation in London.
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After completing training Ben was lucky enough to be taken on by one of London's leading conservation firms and worked on a variety of prestigious projects throughout the capital. He then went on to work freelance for numerous carving, conservation and masonry firms whilst creating bespoke stonework to commission for private clients. His work can be found on such buildings as The Houses of Parliament, The Albert Memorial, St Georges chapel (Windsor Castle) and County Hall to name a few. Ben's attention to detail and commitment to his craft earned him a Duke of Gloucester award in 2012.
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In 2016 Ben decided to use his hard earned skills, knowledge and experience to start The Dorset Stone Carver. He now uses much of his time to create beautiful stone sculptural pieces and working to commission for private clientele from his workshop in Dorset.
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Visit benrussell.co.uk for Ben's sculptural work and info on upcoming exhibitions.
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Contact us today to have your vision set in stone or for enquiries regarding any of our products.
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COURSES
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We are hoping in the future to offer training or courses either on a one on one basis or for small groups.
Ben is a qualified stone carver with experience working on some of London's most prestigious buildings. He also creates and exhibits his own contemporary sculpture on a regular basis so we feel that no matter what you wish to get out of your time with us, Ben has the experience and skills necessary to help you.
The workshop is based in the rolling countryside of west Dorset on a quiet working farm with access to beautiful walks in the surrounding countryside and woodlands. Here you will benefit from the use of a professional working stone studio full of finished sculptures, works in progress, a selection of stone types along with access to a wide variety of tools acquired by Ben over his years spent in the industry.
We hope to be able to create a tailor made package based upon your individual requirements. There is no set menu so we will work with you to create your perfect package whether you want one on one intensive training or to take a more relaxed approach. At the same time if you are unsure and want us to come up with an interesting project for you we will be happy to do so.
Whilst we are based only minutes form the towns of Bridport and Beaminster there is also the possibility of accommodation within close proximity to the workshop within a cottage based on the farm itself.
A course with us could involve but is not limited to:
- An introduction to stone carving in limestone
- An introduction to letter carving
- Creating a clay model based on your own designs and going on to carve it in stone.
- Direct carving into rough boulders
- Experience working with more exotic stones such as marble or alabaster
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Please feel free to get in touch with your requirements and we will be happy to work with you to create your perfect package. Prices will vary dependant on time spent here, stone type etc.
Over 18s only unless supervised by a parent.
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THE COMMISSIONING PROCESS
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It can be quite a daunting prospect to consider commissioning an artist or crafts person but it is easier and quite possibly cheaper than you might expect. Below we have tried to outline the key stages in commissioning hand carved stonework from us.
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First we will schedule an initial chat either by email or over the phone to ensure we are on the same page about what is required and to make sure that your project is something we are able to undertake. We will ask for materials, dimensions, wording, location.. etc at this stage
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We will then go on to put together an outline quote for you based upon your requirements. A quote is issued at this stage to give you an idea of the costs involved as early as possible
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Once happy to proceed a deposit is usually taken. We then offer the chance for you to visit the workshop for a meeting where we can talk about the project in more depth or we can continue to discuss over the phone or via email. The stone is normally ordered at this stage if we don't already have suitable stock in our yard. Stone from most quarries usually arrives within six weeks
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In the case of a headstone or memorial we will now put together a scale drawing based upon your specifications. With a sculpture we may produce sketches at this early stage to help give a feel of how we envisage your piece. This stage is important as it allows us to confirm that we have a solid understanding of our clients vision
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Next we will go on to produce a full size layout for a memorial and in the case of sculptures a full size or scale clay model is produced. Once again you will have the option to view these and any amendments can be made at this stage.
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Approved models or layouts are then used as the basis to create your bespoke one of a kind stone monument, headstone, sculpture, sign... It is very difficult to make amendments once the carving process has begun so it is important to get any doubts ironed out during the previous stage
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Your piece will now be hand carved by Ben. Natural stone is increasingly processed by computers and CNC machines. This process certainly has its place in the industry but for many people the knowledge that a craftsman has skilfully laboured over their stonework is still of the utmost importance. You can rest assured that your product will be lovingly hand worked using traditional tools and techniques and the finished piece will be full of life and energy. It is often important for our clients to feel involved in this stage so we again welcome you to make appointments to come and view the process if required and learn about our methods
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Once carved we will securely package your stonework and arrange delivery to your location.
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Obviously every project is unique but this should give a good overview of the process of commissioning work.
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CONTACT
For commissions and bespoke services please contact Ben via email below:
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ben(AT)thedorsetstonecarver.co.uk
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For general enquiries please use the form
Don't forget to use the links below to follow or connect with us for up to date news, events and recent projects.