Master carvers say mass production of their bespoke work is a growing concern and upsetting for bereaved families

A walk down a churchyard path, passing other memorials and plaques, can be an important, meditative time for bereaved relatives. But some have had an unpleasant surprise when they find that the carefully chosen design and inscription on the headstone they have come to visit has been copied elsewhere.

“When a design is copied, it is not just your design but your time and your creativity that is stolen,” said Teucer Wilson, a master stone carver. “You can try to see it as a compliment to your work in a way, of course, but it can be very upsetting for the family that you originally worked with.”