Bartlett Stone Carving was founded in 2004 by craftsman, Matthew Johnson.

For Matthew, stone carving began with an apprenticeship and became a lifelong craft. In 1991, while studying at Southwestern University, Matthew began working with master stone carver Bob Ragan in Florence, Texas. There he learned the discipline of working stone by hand, the precision required to create architectural elements, and the value of combining time-honored techniques with modern tools.

Eventually, Matthew decided to venture out on his own and founded Bartlett Stone Carving, naming the studio after his great-grandfather, Charles Bartlett. The name reflects a family tradition of craftsmanship, personal service, and doing things right—values that remain at the heart of the studio today.

For more than two decades, Matthew has created architectural stonework for public and private projects, earning recognition for craftsmanship along the way. He has taught workshops and seminars throughout the country and has worked with other professional carvers to preserve the historic traditions of stone carving. From 2016–2022, he served as president of the national Stone Carvers’ Guild and currently co-hosts the Guild’s podcast.

At Bartlett Stone Carving, the goal is simple: make work that is carefully considered, skillfully made, and created to last beyond our lifetimes.