Our workshop staff have many years of experience cleaning and renovating memorial stones. The techniques will differ according to the material and the age of the stone but the results can be stunning. Sometimes, as with the example below, we will reface the inscription panel and cut brand new lettering which not only leaves the memorial looking great but can also allow for extra words to be added or corrections to be made.
Cleaning is most often required for porous stones such as Marble, Nabresina, Portland and York Stone as they suffer more from the effects of time and weather. Some masons choose to use a stone cleaner to ‘wash’ the memorial, this will achieve a certain standard but is not always very effective or long lasting. At Memorials of Distinction we prefer to ‘machine clean’ the stone – this involves removing a thin layer from the surface of the memorial revealing fresh stone, stone that was formed 1000’s of years ago! This technique can leave the memorial looking almost new and retains the original lettering.
With some very old memorials however, where the lettering is not cut very deeply or the weathering is severe, machine cleaning is not suitable. The inscription would not be clear enough. Where this is the case we would suggest ‘re-facing’ the stone and re-lettering it (the example above is a re-face and re-letter). As you can see, this leaves the memorial looking like new.
Lead filled lettering stands proud of the surface of the stone so can often be difficult to clean with a machine. To address this we use a combination of stone cleaner and machine cleaning. Unfortunately, some stains are so deep they will never come out – see example front centre of base – an orange stain that was not obvious before it was cleaned.
When we renovate memorials they are re-fixed to the current NAMM regulations which involves new stainless steel dowels and ground anchors where relevant. Sometimes foundations will also have to be replaced. Often renovation work has to be carried out at dry times of the year as wet stone is difficult to clean.
If you have a memorial which needs cleaning or renovating, our staff will be able to advise on the best course of action for your individual circumstances and budget. Contact us for more information and a no-obligation quote.
If the particular shape or style of memorial you would like is not in our standard collection, we will be happy to work with you to create something bespoke. Whether it is just swapping one type of vase or grave statue for another or creating a whole new design, we have the expertise to guide you through it. Call or email us to discuss in more detail or use our Live Chat feature on the bottom right of your screen.
Our standard terms for payment are as follows:
First Installment
20% Deposit when memorial ordered as above.
Second Installment
75% of balance plus burial ground fee payable when permit received from cemetery or church authority. Obtaining permit takes on average 2-3 weeks from first installment.
Final Installment
Final balance payable on completion (ie. when memorial is in place, approximately 16 weeks after receipt of second installment).
Yes, showroom visits are by appointment only, on Thursdays and Saturdays. This is to ensure there is a member of staff available to help you for as long as you need. Please call our office on 01582 249990 to arrange a suitable time and date.
The wait is over, and it was well worth every second. Memorials of Distinction delivered more than what the doctor ordered. Splendid piece of work. Art at its best. The whole extended family is impressed. I am sure my wife Engie in heaven is equally proud and happy of the finished product…talk of paying attention to detail. That’s what Engie was about. Well done and thank you guys.
Phidelis K. Google Review: 09/11/2023
We are beyond pleased with the memorial. It looks even better in situ, than we could have ever imagined from the pictures and drafts. We would highly recommend Memorials of Distinction.
The sales team provided an amazing online service from initial enquiry, through to aftercare. The communication was amazing, keeping us informed step by step of the process and double checking every detail was just as we wished. Any queries were responded to quickly and we feel confident that any further aftercare requests will also be responded to swiftly.
The memorial itself was installed within the specified timescales and carried out with obvious care and dignity. The area was left spotlessly clean and tidy with meticulous detail to edge the area and present the stone in a clean and tailored fashion. It was abundantly clear there was real pride in the work undertaken. They even uncovered some items that had been lost within the grass and respectfully placed them onto the grave afterwards.
We are overwhelmed with how amazing the memorial looks in person and the service we received. It took us many years to undertake this part, for many reasons. We are so pleased to finally have the memorial in place and we shall be forever grateful for making this difficult part of losing a loved one a very positive one.
Emma H. Google Review: 08/09/2023
I appreciated how well all the staff treated my order and managed my emotions, from start to finish. No matter what member of the service I spoke with, or communicated via email, was reasuring, and provided sound advice.
Venita J. Google Review: 10/08/2023
Factory & Showroom (Head Office)
The Memorial Works
Southfields Road Dunstable LU6 3EP
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