Memorial Casting
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a memorial casting?
A memorial casting is a deeply personal and meaningful way to preserve the memory of a loved one after they have passed. It involves creating a lasting sculpture of their hand, capturing every intricate detail, and serving as a poignant reminder of their presence. Castings can be made from visits at funeral homes, hospitals, or homes.
2. How does the casting process work?
We use skin-safe alginate to create a mold of the hands, ensuring every detail, from fingerprints to subtle lines, is captured. After the mold sets, we create a durable stone replica. The casting process involves minimal movement to ensure respect and dignity at all times.
3. Can I customise the memorial casting?
Yes, each casting can be personalised with options such as airbrushing in a choice of antique metallic colours, engraving the loved one’s handwriting on the marble base, and laser-engraving a message. These options make the casting truly unique and a cherished tribute.
4. Do I need to make decisions about colour and engraving right away?
During such an emotional time, we understand that making decisions about colour choices and engraving may feel overwhelming. We do not ask you to make these decisions during the initial appointment. Instead, we will contact you closer to the 12-month collection period to discuss these choices. If you’re not ready at that time, we will securely store the casting until you’re prepared to proceed.
5. Do I need to be there while you visit my loved one?
We take great care to respect the family’s wishes. If family members prefer not to be present during the casting, we are happy to visit your loved one alone, ensuring the process is carried out with respect. We will keep you updated at each stage, including when we return to the studio and when the casting is demolded.
6. How long will it take to complete the casting?
The casting process typically takes up to 12 months. This allows us to provide attention to detail while prioritising urgent memorial circumstances and keeping you informed during the process.
7. What is the cost of a memorial casting?
For memorial appointments in the Dundee area, our pricing is as follows:
• One Hand Casting: £445
• Two Hand Casting: £675
For appointments outside of Dundee or internationally, please contact us for a tailored quote.
8. Can I choose which hand I’d like to be cast?
Yes, we will discuss with you which hand you would prefer to be cast before the appointment to ensure that the memorial reflects your wishes. While we always aim to fulfill your wishes regarding the selection of which hand to cast, there may be rare instances where this isn’t possible due to the positioning of your loved one. In some cases, one hand may be more naturally relaxed and ideally positioned for casting. If this situation arises, we will communicate with you beforehand to ensure that you are still comfortable with proceeding with the casting of the available hand. Our priority is to create the most respectful and natural tribute possible, and we will work closely with you to ensure the final result meets your wishes.
9. Can I hold my loved one’s hand in a memorial casting?
Yes, it is possible to hold your loved one’s hand in a memorial casting. There are two options for this:
1. Option One: You can come to the funeral home to visit your loved one and hold their hand while we take a mold of both hands together. This allows us to capture the intimate connection between you and your loved one in one continuous casting.
2. Option Two: If you are unable to attend the funeral home or choose not to visit your loved one after they have passed, we can take a single hand casting of your loved one at the funeral home. Then, at a later date, you can visit our studio, and we will take a casting of your hand to be added to your loved one’s casting. This will create a sculpture of both hands together in one cast.
Please note that when casting in two parts, there are fewer positioning options available, but we will ensure the result is as meaningful and respectful as possible.
10. Can you still visit my loved one when family has been advised not to?
Yes, we can still visit your loved one after the family is no longer advised to do so. Funeral directors may advise limiting the time spent with your loved one after their passing to provide duty of care and prevent any distress due to the natural changes that occur after passing. However, in most circumstances, funeral directors will still allow us to visit your loved one, as we are providing a professional service. We understand the importance of preserving these meaningful moments and we will do all we can to liaise with the funeral director to make this possible.
11. How do I book an appointment?
Please contact us directly through our website or phone to arrange a memorial casting appointment. We are available to serve the Dundee area primarily, with the ability to travel worldwide. Travel costs may vary based on location. We work closely with the vast majority of funeral directors in and around the Dundee area on a regular basis, so they are generally familiar with our services and have our contact details. If you would prefer not to reach out to us directly, please inform your chosen funeral director that you would like a casting done, and they will be happy to contact us on your behalf to arrange the appointment. In order for us to visit your loved one, the family first needs to give their permission to their chosen funeral director. Once this is done, we will be permitted to carry out the casting appointment. From there, we will coordinate directly with the funeral directors to arrange all the necessary details, ensuring the process is as smooth and respectful as possible.
12. How do I know the casting is progressing properly?
While we provide initial updates around and after the time of casting, the cast then enters the drying stage and will require refining, sculpting, sealing, airbrushing, and mounting to create the final piece. In the months following the appointment, there won’t be much to update you on until we are closer to completion and ready to ask for your decisions on colours and bases. We politely and respectfully ask that you refrain from requesting updates during this time, as our workload is highly unpredictable and each casting deserves our full, uninterrupted attention to ensure a flawless finish. Our time spent responding to questions about when the cast will be ready takes away from the time needed to work on your piece. As we are often called out to urgent casting appointments with little notice, it’s difficult for us to predict a collection date. We will only contact you when your casting is completely finished and ready for collection, ensuring that any delays from urgent appointments do not affect the completion of your piece.