The answer is local stonemason Neil Luxton. Our small town is home to many talented individuals and unique businesses, and Neil is a prime example. I met him a few years ago during a campaign promoting local business support. Neil is deeply committed to our community, generously dedicating his time to local initiatives and charity events. His life and career are truly fascinating.

Neil has been a stone carver for over 30 years, nearly twenty of which have been spent in Sudbury. Early in his career, he earned the prestigious role of official stonemason for Highgate Cemetery. He's worked with families of well-known artists, celebrities, and personalities, designing and creating memorials to celebrate their lives.

A self-described artist, Neil left school at 15. “I was utterly rubbish at school, not great in academic subjects, but I loved art and technical drawing,” he recalls. “My art teacher, Mr Williams, with his Leo Sayer haircut and love for the Pre-Raphaelites, made school worthwhile for those art lessons.”

Neil's career began as a graphic artist apprentice, his “dream job,” but was cut short due to 1970s print union restrictions. He then joined his father in a Rochford, Essex stonemasonry business. Neil quickly progressed from labouring to stone carving, feeling that he could add unique creativity to the increasingly generic and mass-produced stonework. He immersed himself in studying font design, typography, and masonry, drawing inspiration from figures like Eric Gill and David Kindersley. Neil's dedication was noticed by his employer, Mr Bull, who offered him an apprenticeship to further hone his skills.

By the mid-1980s, Neil had started his own business. His reputation as a creative and efficient stonemason grew, leading to projects like lettering on the Old Bailey Law Courts and a plaque for Harrods Food Hall's renovation. His work at Highgate Cemetery began with an emergency commission and eventually led to a 27-year role as their official stonemason.

Neil's work includes thousands of headstones and memorials, often custom-designed. He values client confidentiality, especially for high-profile individuals. Neil's ability to create unique memorials within the constraints of cemetery space is particularly noteworthy.

His commissions have included a headstone for Jeremy Beadle that celebrated his love of books and a collaboration with Vivienne Westwood and Nick Reynolds for Malcolm McLaren's memorial. He also created a unique headstone for Douglas Adams, now a site of tribute by fans.

An unusual project was Patrick Caulfield's headstone, designed by Caulfield himself and now one of Highgate Cemetery's most visited memorials.

The Covid-19 pandemic brought unforeseen challenges and shifts in societal norms, prompting Neil to innovate and adapt his offerings. In response to the increased preference for cremations over burials Neil introduced a new line of plaques designed for cremation memorials. These plaques are crafted from recycled acrylic, reflecting Neil's commitment to sustainability, with the entire product being fully recyclable. The innovation didn't stop there; the stakes holding the plaques are produced on a 3D printer, using fully recyclable PETG material, showcasing a blend of traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. To streamline operations and enhance customer service, Neil invested in new IT systems, enabling more efficient work processes and the ability to produce accurate colour digital proofs. These proofs offer customers a precise visualisation of how their headstone will appear.

Neil has also sought to deepen his engagement with the community and heritage projects. He is in discussions with the esteemed Highgate Society in North London to collaborate on several restoration projects, underlining his dedication to preserving local history and architecture. Neil's expertise and reputation have continued to attract high-profile commissions, including creating the headstone for Wham superstar, the late George Michael, and collaborating on a sculpture commemorating the actor Ian Holm, known for his role in the 'Lord of the Rings' films. These projects not only highlight Neil's versatile talent but also his capacity to capture the essence of individuals whose legacies continue to touch many lives.

Nowadays, Neil spends most of his time in his Sudbury workshop, designing and carving war memorials among other projects. One notable work is the fountain at St Peters in Sudbury, commemorating '101 Dalmatians' by Dodie Smith.

When asked about the future of stonemasonry, Neil remains optimistic. He believes there will always be demand for traditional, quality craftsmanship.

Neil also offers a unique stone carving experience at his Sudbury studio. Participants can spend a day learning the fundamentals of stone carving, guided by Neil’s expert tutelage. This workshop is not only enjoyable but also insightful, offering a rare glimpse into the intricacies and artistry of stonemasonry. It's an opportunity to understand the precision and creativity involved in transforming a piece of stone into a work of art. For those interested in this ancient craft or in Neil’s work, visit his website at www.luxstone.co.uk.