House and Garden Stones

In Holland, there is a tradition of making a “gevelsteen” (gable stone) for a house. It began in Amsterdam after one of those terrible fires in the middle ages. The houses were all burned to the ground and it was impossible to see where one property began and the other ended. So, the city fathers passed a law that stated that from then on, every house must have a stone identifier mounted on the gable. The stones would survive the next fire and indicate where the houses had stood.

Well, a new folk art was born. In addition to the name of the house, the artist would sculpt a symbol or scene. Ranging in design from humorous to dignified, the gable stones are one more charming feature in that beautiful city.

While I lived in Holland, I always loved to get a commission for a gable stone. Its a different challenge to make both letters and a motif in stone. Here in England, I can do something similar as a number or nameplate for a house or as a garden ornament. My clients often commissioned the stone as a gift for an important event; the birth of a child, a wedding, buying a new house or as a way to say,” thank you.”