James Long - Memorial Masons

James Long - Memorial Masons For over 230 years we have provided memorials of quality and distinction across the South West.

Bespoke memorial in Trowbridge Cemetery. When families ask if it’s possible to create something very specific, the answe...
12/11/2025

Bespoke memorial in Trowbridge Cemetery. When families ask if it’s possible to create something very specific, the answer is always yes.

We’re proud to share pictures of the South Marston War Memorial which has recently undergone a careful and respectful cl...
22/07/2025

We’re proud to share pictures of the South Marston War Memorial which has recently undergone a careful and respectful cleaning.

The work was carried out with precision and attention. From top to base, every inch was treated with the utmost care to protect the stonework and ensure the inlaid lead inscription remain clearly visible.

A huge thank you to the dedicated team involved in this sensitive restoration.

So pleased with how this one looks in Westbury Cemetery. Stunning artwork makes it a real head-turner.  Give us a call i...
21/07/2025

So pleased with how this one looks in Westbury Cemetery. Stunning artwork makes it a real head-turner.
Give us a call if you'd like to discuss this type of memorial or anything similar 01225 763074

A Sound That Echoes Forever: Honoring Frank Farian in Spiesen-ElversbergBy Jason WillcoxIn the tranquil hillside cemeter...
17/07/2025

A Sound That Echoes Forever: Honoring Frank Farian in Spiesen-Elversberg
By Jason Willcox
In the tranquil hillside cemetery of Spiesen-Elversberg, a monument unlike any other now marks the resting place of one of music’s great visionaries — Frank Farian (born Franz Reuther), the producer and creative force behind global sensations like Boney M., Milli Vanilli, and La Bouche.
Yet it’s not just Farian’s name etched in stone — it’s his entire world of sound.
Commissioned by his daughter Nicole, the memorial was crafted by the renowned James Long Masons, a company with over 240 years of heritage in stone craftsmanship. Known for bespoke, deeply meaningful designs, the firm was contacted through a connection with another memorial they had produced — for the parents of Sir Cameron Mackintosh, himself a legendary producer.
The final creation is nothing short of a masterpiece — an international collaboration of art, material science, and memory. Two elegant upright headstones of black granite imported from India stand side-by-side, honoring both Frank Farian and his mother, Cäcilia Reuther. Between them rises a sculpted vintage microphone, as if ready to capture the echo of a lifetime in music.
But it is the base that truly tells the story: a full-scale, photo-realistic recording sound desk, produced with a revolutionary imaging technique in Sweden, guarantees to retain its color for at least 25 years. The control surface, framed by sculpted arms resembling studio lighting, is laid upon light grey granite sourced from Finland, providing a subtle, striking contrast to the black stone above. The result is a physical representation of the creative environment where Farian worked his magic — a recording studio in stone.
Lyrics from one of Boney M.'s greatest hits, "Rivers of Babylon", are etched above the console:
“By the rivers of Babylon,
There we sat down,
Yea, we wept,
When we remembered Zion.”
It’s a fitting tribute — contemplative, melodic, and spiritual — just like Farian’s body of work.
Precision Logistics, Crafted with Care
Creating a memorial of this scale and complexity was no small feat. Once completed in the James Long Masons workshop in Trowbridge, England, the entire structure was transported via articulated lorry to Germany. On site in Spiesen-Elversberg, a mobile crane was used to carefully install the monument into its final position — overlooking the serene landscape of Farian’s hometown.
Every detail of the memorial was chosen to reflect the life, legacy, and passion of a man who not only produced global hits, but pioneered the way sound could shape culture. Frank Farian didn’t just make music — he engineered eras.
Thanks to this extraordinary tribute, his final resting place is not a symbol of silence, but of creativity, rhythm, and innovation.
🛠️ About James Long Masons
Established over two centuries ago, James Long Masons continues to set the standard for exceptional stonework, with a long-standing reputation for precision, artistry, and reverence. The memorial for Frank Farian stands as a testament not only to his life, but to the craft of storytelling in stone — timeless, powerful, and deeply human.

One very happy customer sent thanks for this renovation which exceeded all their expectations.  Many thanks to Nick for ...
03/06/2025

One very happy customer sent thanks for this renovation which exceeded all their expectations. Many thanks to Nick for all his help with this one.

On-site renovation can have a huge impact on the longevity and appearance of a memorial. Give us a call if you'd like to...
07/05/2025

On-site renovation can have a huge impact on the longevity and appearance of a memorial. Give us a call if you'd like to discuss the type of work we do. We can carry out a free, no obligation, inspection before offering our recommendations 01225 763074

A selection of recent memorials in natural stone.  Limestone and sandstone make stunning alternatives to granite when ch...
08/01/2025

A selection of recent memorials in natural stone. Limestone and sandstone make stunning alternatives to granite when choosing a memorial. They are much more "traditional" and the aging process becomes a feature that many people look for.
We also offer a Grave Tending Service to keep your memorials looking in top condition. Check our website or call us on 01225 763074 if you'd like to discuss the options available to you.

Great way to finish the year, working at Castle Combe to replace the broken top of this tabletop tomb.  Merry Christmas ...
20/12/2024

Great way to finish the year, working at Castle Combe to replace the broken top of this tabletop tomb. Merry Christmas from the James Long team 🎅🎄☃️

We recently had the honour and privilege of being involved in the discovery and rededication of the resting place of Cap...
20/11/2024

We recently had the honour and privilege of being involved in the discovery and rededication of the resting place of Captain Daniel Clutterbuck, who took part in The Charge of the Light Brigade, and his wife, Sophia.
We provided a new Nabresina wedge tablet with inlaid lead inscription to sit within the rediscovered kerb enclosure. Natural weathering will takes its course and allow the new stone to blend in with its surroundings.

JOB VACANCY: A job with variety! We are looking for a full-time memorial mason/fixer/installer.  On-site role which incl...
09/10/2024

JOB VACANCY: A job with variety! We are looking for a full-time memorial mason/fixer/installer. On-site role which includes other workshop duties. Working initially as part of a small team fixing memorials but with a view to doing all aspects of the job as a memorial mason. Previous experience desirable but not essential. Must have a clean driving licence and be prepared to work outdoors. Must be physically fit as the job involves some heavy lifting. On-the-job training provided. We are looking for a good team member who is flexible, punctual and reliable - someone who takes pride in their work, is well-organised and has an eye for detail. Working hours 7.30am to 4.30pm Mon - Fri. Send your CV and a letter of application telling us who you are and why you would be right for the job to [email protected]

Address

Timbrell Street
Trowbridge
BA148PN

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:45pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:45pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:45pm
Thursday 9am - 4:45pm
Friday 9am - 4:45pm

Telephone

+441225763074

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