At John Stevens Shop, the owner’s first piece rests on the wall: it is a hand carved alphabet stone that he made in 1979 during his apprenticeship. Located in the historic city of Newport, Rhode Island, the shop has specialised in stone inscription since it was founded by the Stevens family in 1705. The workshop was bought by the Benson family in 1927, who have seen it resurrect the ethos of the Arts and Crafts Movement as practised by the current owner Nick and his father. Skilled in hand cut lettering, they celebrate the physicality of working by hand.

Every piece is etched with the weight of history behind it. “The previous generations of carvers are looking over our shoulders as we work,” says Nick. Outlines of letters are transferred with steel styluses and designs are hand painted to ensure the vitality of the design is not lost before carving. John Stevens Shop has a particular expertise with traditional slate, a material commonly used in 17th and 18th century New England. With history as their guide, Nick and his team create their own new calligraphic forms and keep the craft developing today.