Carrickmannon Stone with Hand V-Cut Lettering

This project featured a piece of Carrickmannon stone with a bit of history behind it. Originally used as a step, the stone was reclaimed by a private homeowner who wanted to incorporate it into a new boundary wall being built around their property.

To ensure the stone sat naturally within the wall, the front face was carefully cut with a curved profile to match the radius of the boundary wall. This allowed the stone to flow seamlessly with the surrounding masonry rather than looking like an added feature.

Once shaped, traditional hand V-cut lettering was carved using mallet and chisel. This method gives crisp, sharp lines and a depth that machine cutting simply can’t replicate. Every letter was cut by hand, keeping the finish authentic and in keeping with the character of the stone.

The homeowner chose not to have the lettering painted. Instead, they preferred the natural effect created by sunlight as it moves across the stone throughout the day. The shadows cast into the V-cuts bring the lettering to life, changing in appearance with the light and adding subtle character without the need for colour.

This project is a good example of how reclaimed stone and traditional lettering techniques can be combined to create a meaningful, long-lasting feature that feels both personal and timeless.