Commissioning a piece
The finished sculpture or stone feature is only part of the experience. From the first ideas and choice of materials to watching your piece take shape, you can be part of the creative process along the way.
Step one: The idea
Paul will talk to you about what you have in mind. His garden-design experience comes into its own here.
He'll consider proportion, position, surrounding planting and how the scale of the piece will work within the space.
Step two: Developing the design
This is the exciting bit.
Once the direction is clear, Paul begins working through the design.
He'll sketch the piece, consider its proportions and materials and work out how it needs to be constructed.
Once you’re happy with the final plan and price, Paul will give you an estimated start and finish date.
Step three: Choosing the stone
The stone you choose can completely change the character of the finished piece.
Colour matters. Texture matters. Shape matters. Paul will help you select the right stone for the design, and if you’d like to be involved, you can choose the materials with him.
Because Paul works with reclaimed stone, variations, weathering and signs of age aren’t imperfections to eliminate. They’re part of its history – and part of what will make your finished piece individual.
Step four: Watching it take shape
This is where things get interesting. Some sculptures are created off-site and delivered as finished pieces. Others are constructed within the garden itself.
Gradually, Paul begins to build the form. Piece by piece, what began as individual stones starts to become something recognisable.
And when a sculpture is built in your garden, you get something extra. You get to watch it happen.
For Paul, that's an important part of a commission.
Step five: Bringing it all together
Some pieces are built in situ, allowing you to watch them take shape in your own garden. Others can be created off-site and carefully installed once complete. Either way, the practical details are considered from the outset. Access, foundations, position and site conditions all play their part, ensuring the finished piece sits naturally within the garden and is built to last.
What remains is something that didn’t exist before – an individual piece created for your garden, whose story you’ve been part of from the beginning.
Have you got an idea you’d like to bring to life? Talk to Paul.