Memorials of Distinction

Memorials of Distinction: stonemasonry for headstones and memorials

Memorials of Distinction is a family-run stonemasonry business based in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, with a second showroom in London. The company states it has over 35 years of experience in stonemasonry and works with what it describes as the highest quality materials. Its activity centres on the design, manufacture and installation of headstones, memorials and gravestones for cemeteries, churchyards, crematoria, gardens and family pets, and it also handles export requests.

Memorial range and product types

The catalogue is organised into several families of memorials. These include traditional headstones, kerbed memorials, modern designs, cremation and small memorials, children's headstones, value memorials, bespoke memorials and garden kerbs. Within the headstone category, the company lists granite headstones, marble headstones, book headstones, heart headstones and religious and cultural memorials.

Beyond the main memorial, the range extends to memorial plaques and tablets, grave decorations and ornaments, photoplaques, vases, etchings and designs, memorial statues, glass and stone chippings, cover slabs and custom designs. The company presents these additions as a way to personalise a memorial without necessarily commissioning a fully bespoke design.

Examples from the popular products list

The site's popular products section showed the following items and prices at the time of writing this profile:

• Double Heart Headstone: £1525
• Value Ogee Headstone: £901
• Round Top Headstone: £1094
• Kerbed Memorial with Two Roses: £2997
• Gilded Book Headstone: £1970
• Book and Rest Small Memorial: £951
• Triple Heart Headstone: £2532

Materials, finishes and customisation

Memorials of Distinction works primarily with granite and also offers marble. The company states that most memorial designs can be manufactured in a different colour or material from the one shown, subject to any restrictions imposed by the cemetery or churchyard. It advises that prices for memorials made from non-standard materials will differ from those listed on the website and are quoted on request.

For clients whose preferred shape or style is not in the standard collection, the company reviews proposals for bespoke designs. This can range from swapping one type of vase or grave statue for another to creating an entirely new design. The site also references inscriptions and verses, etching and design work, and a cleaning and renovation service for existing memorials.

Ordering, pricing and practical arrangements

Each product description sets out what is included in the price, alongside an 'Additional Costs' section where relevant. The company indicates that extra costs can include cemetery fees, additional sandblasted designs, photo plaques, letters beyond any free letters included with the memorial, bespoke sizes and kerbset chippings. A detailed quote itemising all fees and costs is provided before an order is placed.

The site also lists payment plans and explains ordering and timescales in a dedicated section. A home visit service is offered, and the company publishes information on safety and guarantees, materials and finishes, and the areas it covers. It states that it serves cemeteries, churchyards, crematoria, gardens, family pets and export customers.

Showrooms in Dunstable and London

The head office and factory showroom, known as The Memorial Works, is on Southfields Road in Dunstable, Bedfordshire. A second UK showroom is located in London. According to the company, showroom visits are by appointment only, so that a member of staff is available for as long as needed; appointments can be arranged by calling the office.

Reputation and customer feedback

The website displayed a rating of 4.8 described as powered by Google, and includes a selection of customer reviews. The published comments praise the quality of the finished stonework, the care and patience of staff, and the standard of service; one reviewer mentions that communication could be improved while still recommending the company. These testimonials reflect individual experiences and are presented as such on the site.