Every so often, a commission comes along that carries a meaning far greater than the material from which it is made. The Elysium Memorial is one such project – a national tribute created to honour Armed Forces veterans who have died by suicide after service, and to provide a permanent place for remembrance, reflection and recognition.
Crafted here at AD Calvert Stone in Leyburn, the memorial was created using our exclusive Witton Fell sandstone, quarried locally from our own quarry in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Combining considered design, traditional stonemasonry and a deep respect for the purpose of the piece, the project is a remarkable example of craftsmanship with lasting meaning.
A Memorial of National Significance
The Elysium Memorial was commissioned by the Elysium Memorial Foundation, the charity behind the project. Designed for the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, it has been created to stand alongside other memorials of national significance, offering a dedicated space to remember veterans lost to suicide after service and to raise awareness of the mental health challenges faced by some within the Armed Forces community.
The commission came about after the Foundation team saw our work on the Catterick memorial to veterans of the First World War. With our quarry and workshop based close to Catterick Garrison, this new memorial held a strong local connection for us, as well as a clear national importance.
From the outset, we worked closely with the team at the Elysium Memorial Foundation to turn their thoughts and ideas into a design that felt fitting for such a sensitive and important tribute. As part of that process, we shared examples of previous memorial pieces we had created, including the memorial bench at Thorp Perrow Arboretum, drawing on our experience to shape a design that would be respectful, enduring and appropriate for its setting.
From Yorkshire Stone to Lasting Tribute
Every element of the memorial was crafted from our exclusive Witton Fell sandstone – a distinctive Yorkshire stone known for its strength, character and timeless appearance. Sourced from our own quarry and worked by our skilled team in Leyburn, the stone was chosen for its natural beauty, durability and suitability for a memorial designed to stand for generations.
This was a project that required care at every stage. From selecting the stone and developing the design, to shaping, finishing and preparing the memorial for its journey, our approach had to reflect not only the technical demands of the commission, but also the emotion and significance behind it.
A Journey of Remembrance
Once completed, the memorial began its journey from our stone yard on Wensley Road, Leyburn, to the National Memorial Arboretum. Accompanied by a motorcycle guard of honour, the convoy formed part of the tribute itself, creating a powerful and visible act of remembrance as the memorial travelled to its permanent home.
The escort highlighted the depth of feeling behind the project and the wider support for the Elysium Memorial Foundation’s work. It marked an important moment in the memorial’s story, as it made its journey from Yorkshire stonework to the National Memorial Arboretum.
Craftsmanship with Purpose
At AD Calvert Stone, we are proud to be involved in projects where natural stone has a lasting purpose. The Elysium Memorial demonstrates how locally quarried British stone, skilled craftsmanship and thoughtful design can come together to create something meaningful, dignified and built to stand the test of time.
It was a privilege for our team to work on this commission and to play a part in creating a memorial that will offer comfort, recognition and remembrance for years to come.
“This was a deeply meaningful project for our team to be involved in. From the first conversations with the Elysium Memorial Foundation through to the final piece leaving our yard, we understood the importance of creating something that was respectful, lasting and worthy of its place at the National Memorial Arboretum. It was a real privilege for AD Calvert Stone to help bring this memorial to life.”
Allison Calvert, Operations Director, AD Calvert Stone
Press Coverage
The Elysium Memorial and its journey to the National Memorial Arboretum have also attracted regional and national press coverage, with features from BBC News, Sky News, GB News, the Darlington and Stockton Times, and Richmondshire Today.
These articles share more about the story behind the project, the work of the Elysium Memorial Foundation and the significance of the memorial for veterans and their families.
Contact Us to discuss your Stone Project
Whether you are planning a memorial, public artwork, architectural feature or bespoke stone commission, our experienced team can help bring your ideas to life. From initial concepts and material selection through to detailed design, carving and finishing, we work with care, skill and attention to detail at every stage.
Contact us to find out more about how our locally quarried Witton Fell sandstone can help create a lasting legacy.