Case Study
We were commissioned to create a set of three bespoke stone signs for respected property developer CG Fry & Son, for one of their prestigious housing developments in Weymouth. This project was a fantastic opportunity to showcase both the natural beauty of local Purbeck stone and the precision of modern stoneworking techniques.
Each sign began with a carefully selected block of Purbeck stone from our California Quarry, chosen by the client for its character and quality. Each one weighed in at approximately three tonnes, these impressive stones were chosen with the intention of creating a striking and aesthetic feature at key locations within the development.
The first stage of the process involved preparing the face of each stone for the engraved signage. Using our in-house CNC router, we accurately cut a flat area into the naturally textured face of the stone, ensuring a clean and even surface suitable for the lettering to follow. This approach allowed us to retain much of the stone’s original texture and natural edges while providing a crisp, clear area for the inscription.
With the face prepared, we then used the same CNC router to precisely cut the lettering into the stone. Working from the client’s approved design, we entered this into our CAD software inhouse. We ensured that each letter was engraved to a consistent depth and perfectly aligned, maintaining a high standard of finish across all three signs.
To complete the process, we hand-painted the lettering, carefully working each character to enhance visibility and contrast against the natural stone background. The choice of paint colour was made in consultation with CG Fry & Son to complement the surrounding materials and landscaping within the development and to give a clean, fresh and modern finish.
We delivered the signs to the client using our HIAB lorry. The finished signs now stand as proud markers for the housing development, blending seamlessly into their natural and architectural surroundings while providing clear, attractive signage for residents and visitors alike. This project not only demonstrated the versatility of Purbeck stone but also highlighted how traditional materials and contemporary techniques can work hand-in-hand to produce outstanding results.
“Working on something of this size there is no room for error. Using our CNC machine and CAD software together with the hand-finishing we found the perfect balance of computer aided working and skilled craftsmanship.”
-Matt Suttle, Suttle Stone Quarries Director
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