Derbyshire has a long tradition in transforming rare semi-precious stones and minerals into beautiful objects.

The tradition of inlaying Ashford Black Marble in Derbyshire dates back to the 18th century. Examples can be seen in many museum collections around the area including Buxton, Derby and Manchester, as well as Chatsworth House.

 In the early Victorian period inspired by the Florentine craftsmen producing inlay work called Pietra Dura, local artisans started to manufacture table tops other decorative items using Ashford Black, a locally mined Derbyshire bituminous black limestone. This was then inlayed with Blue John, Jasper, Quartz, Azurite, Malachite, Lapis Lazuli to create beautiful ornaments.

Unfortunately Ashford Black Marble is no longer available and the pieces hand carved at Lowe's use Belgium Black Marble for the background.

The masons at Lowe's Marble and Granite use the traditional Derbyshire method for creating the Pietra Dura inlay work. This technique employs hand tools only to carve out and inlay each piece of semi precious stone this makes each item produced unique.

 If you are interested in the items that we have available feel free to call in and have a browse in the showroom.

New Road, Middleton By Wirksworth, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 4NA

T:01629 822216 F: 01629 824348 info@lowemarble.com