Business Details
38 Years
experience
Expert Stone Sculptor & Stonemason in Oxfordshire
With over two decades of experience, I have dedicated my career to the craft of stone sculpting and stonemasonry. My journey began with formal training in sculpture at Exeter School of Art, followed by specialized stonemasonry studies at Weymouth College. Prior to establishing my independent practice in 1988, I gained invaluable expertise working in the cathedral workshops of Wells and Winchester. Based in a rural Oxfordshire workshop, I serve clients across southern England, blending traditional techniques with artistic vision to create bespoke stone works. My portfolio spans private commissions and high-profile conservation projects, including the Tower of the Winds in Oxford and Blenheim Palace in Woodstock. Each project reflects my commitment to preserving historical integrity while meeting contemporary needs.I specialise in fireplaces, memorials, decorative carvings, and the restoration of historic buildings and statuary. My process combines technical precision with creative artistry, ensuring every piece meets the highest standards of craftsmanship. Clients benefit from my deep understanding of materials such as sandstone, slate, Portland, and Cotswold stone, tailored to their specific requirements. Whether crafting a unique stone portrait or undertaking complex conservation work, I prioritise quality, durability, and aesthetic excellence. This dedication to excellence has solidified my reputation as a trusted and skilled stonemason and sculptor.
Services
Fireplaces
Garden Ornaments
Stone Carvings
Lettering & Memorials
Stone Portraits
Restoration & Repair
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We have 20 years of experience in bespoke stone sculpting and historic restoration.
- Our team combines formal art training with specialized stonemasonry expertise.
- We work on prestigious projects including Grade I listed buildings and Blenheim Palace.
- We use traditional lime-based techniques for authentic historic conservation.
- We offer tailored designs in sandstone, slate, Portland, and Cotswold stones.
Services
Fireplaces
Transform your home with handcrafted fireplaces that blend artistic design with functional elegance. Using traditional stonemasonry techniques, I create bespoke fireplace surrounds tailored to your interior style. Each piece combines durability with unique detailing, serving as a focal point for any room while maintaining practicality and warmth.
Stone Carvings
Specialist architectural and sculptural carvings enhance both modern and historic properties. From intricate decorative elements to restoration of historic statuary, my work preserves traditional craftsmanship. Each carving is executed with precision, using time-honoured methods to ensure longevity and aesthetic authenticity in every project.
Lettering & Memorials
Hand-carved lettering on memorials and signs combines timeless elegance with permanence. Working with sandstone, slate, Portland, and Cotswold stones, I create bespoke inscriptions that convey personal tributes or directional signage. Each piece balances readability with artistic flair, ensuring lasting legibility and visual appeal.
Stone Portraits
Commission unique stone portraits crafted through a collaborative process involving clay models and sittings. These bespoke sculptures capture individual likenesses with meticulous attention to detail. Using traditional sculpting techniques, each portrait becomes a lasting testament to personal heritage or artistic expression in durable natural stone.
Restoration & Repair
Modern conservation techniques preserve historic buildings using traditional lime-based methods. Specialising in repairs to aged stonework and statuary, I ensure structural integrity while maintaining historical accuracy. Projects include Grade I listed sites, where careful material matching and period-appropriate techniques safeguard architectural heritage for future generations.
People
Richard Noviss
Owner & Sculptor
With 20 years of experience, Richard trained at Exeter School of Art and Weymouth College before working at Wells and Winchester cathedrals. Self-employed since 1988, he specialises in bespoke stone works and historic restoration across southern England.
Questions
What types of stone do you work with?
I work with sandstone, slate, Portland stone, and Cotswold stone, selecting materials based on durability and aesthetic suitability for each project.
Do you undertake both private and commercial projects?
Yes, I accept commissions from both private clients and commercial entities, including historic conservation work for listed buildings and estates.
How are stone portraits created?
Stone portraits begin with clay models and require multiple sittings to capture accurate likenesses, followed by meticulous carving in durable natural stone.
Can you repair historic stonework?
Yes, I specialise in restoring historic buildings and statuary using traditional lime-based techniques to maintain structural and visual integrity.
What areas do you cover?
Based in Oxfordshire, I work throughout southern England, including projects in Oxford, Woodstock, and surrounding counties.
