The Beauty Of British Stone

Stone that’s home grown (and hewn) is best, says Artorius Faber’s creative director Nikki Chee

A FAMILY business based in Somerset, Artorius Faber oversees every aspect of a stone’s journey, from quarry to installation in some of the most beautiful houses in the UK and around the world. With 30 years’ experience, its highly skillled and knowledgeable team offers a fully bespoke service, which includes advice on choosing the right stone for specific purposes, from beautiful bathrooms, staircases and terraces to high-profile projects at Westminster Abbey, Cliveden and Annabel’s.

What are the attractions of using British stone?

For a small island, we have a huge variety of stone that offers a unique opportunity to create a sense of place, particularly when it is sourced from a local quarry. Alternatively, our clients choose stone from the area in which they were born, which creates an emotional resonance. Often, they will visit the quarry or see the stone blocks selected for a project, which allows them to engage fully in the process of creating stonework, from design through to installation. There is such an amazing breadth of choice; some types of limestone can be transformed with a high polish into something that would challenge the best European marbles, notably Ashburton, Rose Tor and Serpentine.

Britain has beautiful stones, such as Portland, Purbeck and York. Which others will enhance an interior?

There are hundreds to choose from. Among our favourites are Rose Tor, a pinky red, veined limestone from Devon; Hardwick, a hard-wearing grey limestone with subtle veining; Ancaster, a pale, biscuit-coloured limestone with a subtle pink undertone and small fossil markings; and Green Slate from the Lake District.

What are the environmental benefits?