Gravestones and Memorials, Julie Rezac Workshop

Gravestones, Memorials & Garden Ornament
Julie Rezac Workshop

Julie Rezac is a lettercutter. This is the job description for a person who cuts letters in stone. But Julie is also an artist. These two disciplines combine in her work to create finely-crafted and unique lettered stones.

Originally from the U.S., Julie first discovered her love of letters while living in Ireland.” I enjoyed wandering around in the old graveyards there. Every stone was a lively original and had a story to tell. I 'd never seen this in modern gravestones and wondered what had changed."

She later discovered that the letters in the old stones were cut by hand and not with sandblasting - as is now the case at most commercial stonemasons. A careful craftsman - with an artist’s eye - had made the old gravestones. Here, the difference between human and mechanical production is poignantly apparent. It was the talents of an artist-craftsman which made these old stones so unique and which characterizes Julie's work today.

Julie brings her abilities as an artist, know-ledge of historic letterforms, and love of design to every new commission. She doesn't speak with her clients about the number of letters or specific typestyles. They talk instead about more elusive but important things.What should the tone of the stone be - formal? witty? elegant? What is the personal style of the clients - modern? Victorian? What idea or emotion are the clients trying to convey - consolation? joy? These qualities, spirit, style and intention form the essence of the lettered stone and they determine the final design.

We make a text in stone because it is important to us and we want it to last. The stone makes it permanent - but it is up to the craftsmanship and artistry to make it precious.

Julie RezacWorkshop
Great Strudgates Farmhouse
Paddockhurst Lane
Balcombe RH17 6RB
West Sussex, UK
(44) 01444 819090