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Choosing a MemorialMany people wish to mark the final resting place of someone or their passing with a memorial and memorials can take many forms. They may be the more traditional stone memorials erected in cemeteries or churchyards, plaques marking where ashes have been laid, a memorial bench or even a more personal sculpture or artwork. A memorial represents a lasting symbol of remembrance and a tribute to the life now ended, and it is very important to ensure that the firm producing it should be chosen carefully, so that the memorial is what is was envisaged and wanted. The most important thing to remember is that there is no time limit when making your choice. Many people are rushed into hasty decisions when they are in a state of great distress and confusion. If you have family or friends spend time and talk over with them if you want a memorial and what sort of memorial it should be. High pressure door-to door selling of memorials as part of a funeral plan has become a problem for many elderly people. The internet is an excellent way to source information and initial prices. Stone Memorials These are usually erected in cemeteries or churchyards and time has shown that natural stone (i.e. stone, slate, marble and granite) has all the required qualities, such as being able to withstand the weather, taking lasting carved inscriptions and being suitable for shaping and ornamentation. How to Select a Memorial Mason You may wish to use a company recommended by a friend or relative, or you may want to look around, but essentially the company should specialise in monumental masonry and belong to the National Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM) or the British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons (BRAMM). It is also worth considering whether they are a small, independent firm or part of a larger company. They should understand stone and so be able to give you reliable advice as to whether the stone you want to select is suitable for the type of memorial you are choosing and the area where it is to be fixed. Weather, pollution and surrounding vegetation all have an effect on this. Memorials by Artists Inspired by Harriet Frazer’s personal experience in searching for and finding someone to make a unique and beautiful memorial for her step-daughter, Sophie Behrens, Memorials by Artists has been helping bereaved families in similar situations since 1988. Two practical guides are available at £12 and £15 (see below). National Association of Memorial Masons 1 Castle Mews Rugby Warwickshire CV21 2XL Tel: 01788 542264 Email: enquires@namm.org.uk www.namm.org.uk The National Association of Memorial Masons is an organisation set up in 1907, dedicated to furthering the memorial masonry industry and safeguarding the interests of the bereaved through the promotion of high standards, wide choice and increased understanding. It offers a free and objective Conciliation and Arbitration Service. You can look for members locally on the website or contact them direct. Obtaining Prices It is quite usual to ask for prices and discuss whether you want to choose from an existing design or design something yourself. It is important to note that lettering and ornamentation can be hand carved, sand blasted or machine cut. These options and the different types of stone available all vary in price. If you obtain estimates from more than one company, do check them carefully to make sure you are really comparing like with like. Obtain a written estimate, clearly setting out full details of the memorial you are considering and all the costs involved. The estimate should include the memorial itself (with full details as to size and material etc), the lettering, any ornamentation and finishes, the secure installation of the memorial on a proper foundation and the cemetery or churchyard fees and VAT. Obtaining Permission
Maintenance of the memorial is the responsibility of the person placing the memorial and most memorial masons offer an annual maintenance scheme which includes cleaning and attending to any minor problems. They should also be able to offer you insurance to cover against damage, vandalism and theft The BRAMM Scheme BRAMM was set up in 2004 to establish a network of nationally accredited businesses and registered fixers that will ultimately replace individual registration schemes. The scheme will aim to establish a recognised standard of workmanship throughout the UK and will protect the public by ensuring that adequate public liability insurance is provided. It is also essential that an accredited business and a registered fixer follow current health & safety legislation in order to protect both the public and their employees. Further details of this can be found on the NAMM website – www.namm.org.uk Memorials by Artists Guide (newly revised 4th edition) offers a practical guide to commissioning thoughtful well-designed memorials and other lettered works for churchyard, cemetery, garden or public space. Articles give advice on a variety of subjects; the choice of words, types of stone, churchyard and cemetery rules and much more. Beautifully illustrated with over 100 photographs, it provides a unique showcase of contemporary design and letter-carving at its best. Available at £12 + £2 p&p. Memorials by Artists for Young People, Children and Babies is a new guide that aims to help families who are facing the extremely hard task of finding a memorial to celebrate the life of their child from before birth to young adult. A great variety of work is shown in stone, slate and wood – from the traditional and classical to unusual and uplifting contemporary work. There are articles offering practical advice on subjects from wording to children’s involvement. Available at £15.00 + £2.50 p&p. Contact; www.memorialsbyartists.co.uk or enquiries@memorialsbyartists.co.uk , tel: 01728688934 The Memorial Arts Charity It is not generally recognised that in Britain there is an extraordinary tradition of letter-carving and memorial art going back hundreds of years. The Memorial Arts Charity plays a critical role in ensuring that this tradition continues to flourish. It seeks to promote and foster letter design and letter-carving, with particular reference to the founding of a National Collection of Contemporary Memorial Art and to providing letter-carving workshops and apprenticeships. www.memorialartscharity.co.uk 01728 688393
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