I began as a stonemason, working on the spire of Salisbury Cathedral. I was sponsored by the Cathedral Works to travel the country as a William Morris Fellow with the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, to study best practice in building repair and conservation.

One of my placements was with a stone conservator called John Green. He was also a lettercutter and he opened my eyes to the rich wealth of letter carving to be found on ancient tombs and headstones. The placement quite turned my head and when I started my own workshop on the Welsh Borders, it is the carving of letters that I have most enjoyed.

I find inspiration from the ancient churchyards of Powys and Herefordshire , the pebbles worn smooth by the River Wye and the rugged stone I find in the local quarries. With this stone I make birdbaths, standing stones and benches as well as smaller pieces such as lettered cubes, bookends and paperweights in Welsh slate.

The thing I find most satisfying of all however, is the carving of headstones and memorials because these commissions can be very personal and can provide solace at a difficult time.

Visit www.caitrionacartwright.co.uk