Photographs of a headstone kaleidoscope really don’t do it justice - looking into the portal, your eye perceives a three dimensional, infinite space of color, light and pattern. It is like looking into a secret universe. How could so much fit into something so small? It is the soul of the memorial, and while it cannot capture the true essence of a person, it is nothing short of magical.
The headstone kaleidoscope is a marine-grade bronze chamber that threads into a granite slab. They can be incorporated into any design - occupying a 5” diameter bronze disc on the front and back of the memorial. When a visitor looks into the eye piece, it reveals a brilliant, infinite pattern of light and color specifically designed for the person it celebrates. It is the perfect fusion of art, science and magic, and with no batteries, no moving parts, and a waterproof bronze chamber, it will keep revealing its magic for generations to come.
Lundgren Monuments can provide just the kaleidoscope or design and provide the entire memorial, but they do exist as independent parts. A hole is cored through the granite upright and the bronze chamber is threaded inside. The kaleidoscope can be left to turn or be anchored in one perfect pattern, but once it is installed and locked down, it is virtually impossible to remove.
It is actually quite discrete from afar - the exposed bronze is the diameter of a DVD. But as you approach the eye piece, a three dimensional, infinite pattern of light and color is revealed. These pictures really don’t do it justice; it really is awesome, a magical portal into a colorful and expansive universe.
Subtle from afar,
the bronze eyepiece reveals
an infinite world of color, light and pattern.
Sun-powered, eternal and magical.
Prices starting at $3,000.00*
*bronze kaleidoscope only. Complete memorials of granite and bronze starting at $8,000.00
What gives a kaleidoscope it’s color and pattern is the object chamber. This sealed container holds bits of glass, beads, stringers, and any object that light can pass through. We can introduce jewelry, semi-precious stones, glass, and your loved ones favorite shapes and colors. You can experience the patterns and colors before committing to one color combination, but however it works, these portals into another world will make the viewer smile and say “Wow! That is amazing!” They are that magical.
With a headstone kaleidoscope, we can either design and ship it independently to be inserted into your own design or memorial, or we can design and build the complete monument. Ask us about the many available options.
His classmates called him King James. Purple velvet was his signature - from his sweatpants to his oversized hat to the sheets on his bed. James was born in Los Angeles and never got to see the European castles he drew with great detail, but we are certain he would approve of this final act of magic, a jewel-filled vision fit for a king.
Maxine wanted to make her own headstone kaleidoscope and we welcomed her participation. We spent an afternoon cutting glass and searching for just the right pieces. Death isn’t something that people welcome, but there was a certain peace in her eyes, knowing that she was leaving behind something special. “I’m going to blow peoples minds!” she said beaming, escaping her pain and harsh reality. Sometimes it’s the little things.
Heather loved purples and reds - her car was purple, her hair was purple, even her shoelaces were purple. In making her headstone kaleidoscope, we even deconstructed some of the jewelry her family provided. When you walk through the cemetery, it’s hard not to crack a little smile, knowing that she is glowing and brilliant, a hidden treasure amongst the grey and black stones. It’s nice to know that she will inspire and awe visitors for centuries to come.
His aunt Tara called him sunshine since he was just a kid. Maybe it was his shocking orange hair, but more likely it was his bright smile and happy demeanor. But ‘Sunshine’ stuck and Charlie lived up to the name. He was a bright young man, a ginger with a twinkle in his eye, a gentle giant with a warmth and kindness that will never be forgotten.
Kaleidoscopes were invented in 1817 by Scottish inventor David Brewster and gained almost immediate popularity in London and Paris. The combination of science, art and magic entertained both children and respected scientists. With nothing but glass and mirror encased in a waterproof bronze casing, these sun-powered instruments are designed to last centuries and remind us all that beauty and wonder are eternal.
A headstone kaleidoscope can be ordered a la carte and incorporated into your own design, or designed and built in its entirety by us. These are designed to anchor through a 4.5” diameter hole cored through a 10” thick granite upright.
Prices start at $3,500.00
Please contact us to learn more and explore your options.