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Stewarton Memorials

The Art of Engraving: A Brief History

Updated: Jul 11, 2023

The art of engraving is an age-old practice that has been used to create beautiful and lasting memorials for centuries. From ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics to modern-day headstones, engraving has been an essential part of memorialising the departed.


At Stewarton Memorials, we understand the importance of customising your loved one's final resting place with memorial plaques, custom headstones, and more. In this blog post, we will take a brief look at the history of engraving and its significance in creating lasting memorials.


What is Engraving?

Engraving is a technique used to incise or carve designs, patterns, or images onto a hard surface, such as metal, wood, or glass. The process involves using a sharp tool, typically a burin or graver, to cut or scratch lines into the surface of the material, creating a raised image or design that can be used for printing, decoration, or identification.


The engraving process requires great skill and precision, as the artist must carefully control the depth, width, and direction of the lines in order to achieve the desired effect. Engraving can be used to create intricate and detailed designs, as well as simple and bold patterns, and it has been used throughout history for a wide range of applications, including currency, jewellery, printing plates, and decorative objects.


The Evolution of Engraving

Ancient Roots of Engraving

Engraving has been around for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilisations such as Egypt and Greece. The practice was used to create intricate designs and artwork on various materials, including stone, metal, and even bone. In ancient Egypt, engraving was used to create hieroglyphics and images on tombs, while in Greece, it was used to decorate armour and weapons.


Engraving in the Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, engraving became a popular practice for creating intricate designs on metal objects such as armour, weapons, and jewellery. The practice was also used to create illuminated manuscripts and decorative artwork on the walls of churches and cathedrals. Engraved headstones also became popular during this time, with elaborate designs and inscriptions adorning the graves of the wealthy and powerful.


Technological Advancements

With the invention of the printing press in the 15th century, engraving evolved into a more precise and efficient art form. Engraving was used to create prints and illustrations for books, newspapers, and other printed materials. In the 19th and 20th centuries, engraving was used to create intricate designs on banknotes and currency.


Engraving in the Modern Age

Today, engraving is still an essential art form, especially in the field of memorialisation. At Stewarton Memorials, we are able to add personalised inscriptions to your headstone or memorial plaque using the latest technologies. Our team of expert engravers uses a combination of traditional hand engraving and state-of-the-art laser engraving techniques to create meaningful memorials that last a lifetime.


Engraving is an art form that has stood the test of time and has been used to create lasting memorials for centuries. At Stewarton Memorials, we understand the importance of keeping your loved one’s memory alive after they’re gone. As such, we produce various bespoke memorials, including memorial plaques and custom headstones. To learn more about how we can help you memorialise someone through custom gravestones and inscriptions, don’t hesitate to get in touch today.

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