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"Gabion Table" - for the foyer of English Partnerships'
new head office in Warrington
 The
Lakeland stone forms two cubes of drystone work enclosed in a stainless
steel "gabion". The rugged texture offsets the smooth beech and
brazilian slate of the foyer to contrast but complement the other.
"Viking Longship" - for East Iceland Museum, Egilsstader
at Lilli-Bakki Farm
As a stone craftsman in a team of International heritage craftsmen
and women, a reconstruction of a Viking church was first made -
built of turf and  stone
with a 280 meter turf wall enclosing the site. A commission from
the museum then involved a sculpture for the site which made use
of the available materials left over from the church and wall. For
this Longship sculpture a 300 year old piece of driftwood forms
the mast. Built using appropriate Viking techniques in drystone,
with a turf deck and sited on a knoll at the entrance to the site,
it was built "over" the hill to seem as though cutting through a
wave, just beginning to surf to shore - a poise helped by the presence
of a longship expert who made sure it was "seaworthy". The result
represents not just a Viking Longship but an ethereal ship returning
to the earthly shore with a crew from Valhalla. Checking, perhaps,
that we have built well, the spirits of the past seem to be watching
over the Pilgrims to the site.
"Newcastle Brown Ale Bottle" - 10 foot high for Forest Enterprise/Friends
of Chopwell Wood, Newcastle.
A theme "cultural reference points of the north east" brought up
various ideas including the Tyne bridge, which is, actually possible.
However, a pillar formed in the shape of a Newcastle Brown Ale bottle
proved to be an unmistakable shape - with a bulging shoulder, neck,
and lip. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the construction was of
very thin, rather than thick, heavy stone, which meant, lots and
lots of layers.
"Dragonfly" mosaic - Heddon on the Wall Community Garden,
commission for Help the Aged
 Stone
mosaic for Heddon on the Wall Community Butterfly Garden consisted
of Welsh blue slate and Westmorland green, with ladycross Quarry
wings and body. Outer edging in 200 year old ballast from all over
the world, including sailing ships using the northeast coast ports.
It is inspired by dragonflys seen here the previous year, and by
ideas from the local community. The Garden is a landscaping project
bringing young and old alike together with great success - the interest
and involvement shown during my time there has been very positive.
 "Giant's
Seat" - Pathhead Watermill Gardens, Blaydon, Newcastle.
A training course project utilising old wall and rubbish stone left
over from mill renovation. Massive whinstone lintels from Old Blaydon
bridge used for seat base. Most of the wall was built by raw course
beginners, showing how quickly skills can be learnt with proper
guidance. This ongoing retaining wall project is now being completed
with great enthusiasm at a prime central site with thanks to Trevor
Underwood, curator of  the
mill, for his humour and vision.
Dr Hatricks' retaining wall and steps
A Whinstone random uncoursed dry stone wall with old street cobbles
as step risers, it started off as a low wall project! It now extends
down to two further levels with a dramatic view across the Scottish
border to Cheviot. An art deco style house transformed with love
and skill.
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