Background and How We Started

The Stile Company was launched in January 2002. The concept of a company to assist the commissioning of countryside features and artworks developed from and followed the installation of two stiles on footpaths in the Peak District National Park to commemorate Mary's mother. Mary had looked for some special way to remember her mother's life - in a way that would add to the countryside where she had grown up and lived much of her life - something that would also be useful and bring enjoyment to others.

Two stiles were designed, constructed and installed. This took some time, involving as it did, obtaining many permissions from the authorities, as well as finding suitable craftspeople to construct and install the stiles. Once completed, Mary realised that she could offer her expertise and the knowledge she had gained to others, to help them to install their own unique celebratory or commemorative features in places that are special to them.

Together, she and Alice Pickering have developed that original concept and now have an expanding portfolio of craftspeople, offering a wide range of artistic expertise to help you to create a unique and special feature.

Alice and Mary offer an inclusive service to obtain the necessary permissions and to co-ordinate the selection of a sympathetic craftsperson to design and create your feature (whatever it may be) and then arrange to install it in an appropriate location.