Valley of Stone
DAILY ACCESS
A surprise is in store for visitors to Lee Quarry above Stacksteads in Rossendale, as two of three sculptures commissioned by us take their place in the landscape.
Inspired by locally found ferns that thrive in the quarry habitat, 'Frond' elegantly curls into the sky to signpost the quarry from the busy A681, whilst 'Ferro-terrosaurus' rises above the ground like a set of exposed dinosaur ribs, providing an interactive trail bike obstacle.
The sculptures were designed by artist Robin Dobson who worked with the local community to develop ideas for the site. When finished the commission will consist of three separate but linked elements that celebrate Rossendale's stone quarrying heritage and the dramatic natural landscape of the surrounding area.
The commission, which forms part of the Valley of Stone plans to regenerate disused quarries in Rossendale, was funded out of the £500,000 grant awarded to the Valley of Stone project by Heritage Lottery Fund.
For 'Frond', Robin Dobson took inspiration from elements of the fern leaves to create a piece that from some angles looks fragmented, and angular from others smooth and serpentine. The surface of 'Frond' is detailed by mosaic work designed and created by pupils from Holy Trinity School, Stacksteads and participants at community workshops held in Stacksteads and Bacup.
The 515 Youth Group from Whitworth helped design the detailing of Ferro-terrosaurus which is inspired by industrial machinery and skeletal detailing. Providing a 'drop off' obstacle for trial bikers, this interactive sculpture complements existing mountain bike trails and trial biking obstacles that have been developed around Lee Quarry as part of the Adrenaline Gateway scheme managed by Lancashire County Council.
The final piece of the commission, called Echofly, will be installed within the pool at Lee Quarry in early 2010 (subject to land conditions), where it will appear to float above the water. Echofly will be an interactive piece that visitors can manipulate using a lever and camshaft system.
We worked closely with Groundwork Pennine Lancashire and land owners Lancashire County Council on development and installation of the artworks.
For more information about the Valley of Stone project click here.
Visit Rossendale offers more information about walks and events in the area.
