Three sizes
A5 (210 × 148 mm), A4 (297 × 210 mm) or A3 (420 × 297 mm), in portrait or landscape. A full-length portrait or longer wording needs more room, and your sketch shows how it fits.
Free portrait sketch · Made in the UK
Personalised portrait plaques
A favourite face, engraved in metal.
Send us a favourite photo of a person or pet. Using our Portraits in Metal technology, we turn it into fine engraving artwork, arrange your words around it and send you a free sketch and proof before you pay.
Brass or stainless steel · A5, A4 and A3 · Prefer to upload it? Request a free sketch online
From photo to plaque
Your photo, our artwork, real metal.
This is Millie: her owner’s everyday photo, the engraving artwork drawn from it, and the finished plaque. Real photographs, not mock-ups.
1. Your photoAny favourite photo where the face is clear.
2. Our artworkFur, eyes and expression redrawn as fine engraved lines, with your words.
3. Your plaqueEtched into brass or stainless steel and paint-filled by hand.
People and pets
Portraits for every kind of tribute.
Memorials for loved ones, pets and horses, award plaques and keepsakes, on the wall or freestanding.
Illustrative designs by our Portraits in Metal studio. Your plaque is drawn from your own photo. See more portrait designs ↗
Choosing a photo
The photo that feels most like them.
A clear face
Look for a photo where the eyes and face are easy to see. Their expression matters more than a perfect pose.
Good light
Daylight with few deep shadows or bright reflections gives us the most detail to work with.
The original file
Send the full-size photo rather than a screenshot or social media copy. There is no need to crop it or make it black and white.
Only have one treasured photo, even an old or blurry one? Send it anyway. You can see your free sketch, ask for changes and take your time deciding.
Can you make a plaque from a photo of my pet?
Yes. Dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, birds and other companions all work well. Send a clear photo and we turn it into detailed engraving artwork, then arrange their name and your words around it.
What kind of photo works best?
Choose a photo where the eyes and face are easy to see, in good light, and send the original file rather than a screenshot. An older or less-than-perfect photo can still work, so send the one you love.
Is the portrait printed or engraved?
Engraved. The portrait is etched into solid brass or stainless steel and paint-filled by hand, so the fine lines have depth. Nothing is printed on.
Can I add names, dates and a message?
Yes. Add a name, dates, a short tribute or the details of an award. We arrange the portrait and wording together and show you the complete layout before you decide.
How much does a portrait plaque cost?
A5 portrait plaques start from £95.50, with UK mainland delivery included. Larger sizes, wood backing and freestanding styles cost more. Your free sketch comes with an exact quote, and you only pay once you approve the design.
How long does a portrait plaque take?
Once you approve the design and pay, portrait plaques are normally dispatched within 5 to 10 working days.
Start with a favourite photo
Keep them close.
Send us a photo today. Your sketch is free, with no obligation to order.
More portrait designs at portraitsinmetal.com ↗