Valley of Stone

We were asked by the Valley of Stone project to produce an accessible, tactile sculptural trail, linked to the quarrying heritage, at Lee Quarry.

The Valley of Stone Project through Groundwork Pennine Lancashire and Mid Pennine Arts commissioned Metal and Mixed Media Designer Robin Dobson to produce a major piece of public artwork for Lee Quarry above Stacksteads in Rossendale. The commission, which forms part of the Valley of Stone was funded by Heritage Lottery Fund. Land owners Lancashire County Council also supported the project.

The artwork consists of three separate but linked elements that celebrate both Rossendale’s stone quarrying heritage and the dramatic natural landscape of Lee Quarry and the surrounding area.

The first piece of the triptych, Frond, is a landmark visible from the main route out of Stacksteads. This sculpture focuses on the area’s heritage and highlights the stunning views around Lee Quarry.

The second element of the commission, Ferro-terrasaurus, is inspired by industrial machinery and skeletal detailing and provides a ‘drop off’ obstacle for trial bikers. The interactive aspect of this sculpture compliments the mountain bike trails and trial biking course that have already been developed around Lee Quarry as part of the Pennine Lancashire Adrenaline Gateway. Ferro-terrasaurus was produced in consultation with World Class Trials Biker Alastair Clarkson.

The final part of the commission, entitled Echofly, is positioned within the pool at Lee Quarry. Echofly marks the flora and fauna that can be found around Lee Quarry.  (Please be aware that due to damage, the majority of Echofly has been removed by Lancashire CC, who are the custodians for the work.  At this point in time we are not sure when, or if, it will be fully back in place.)