Field Visit
Date 31 May 2001
Event ID 612520
Category Recording
Type Field Visit
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/612520
26 elements arranged in a horizontal band on a sandstone curving wall topped by carved letters. Each form is unique, some multi-part, all abstract, and centred on a horizontal line (with the exception of the largest element, a cog-like form, which drops below the other and goes horizontally 'into' the wall. The rest follow the frontal vertical plane of the wall). A variety of surface textures, colours and types of stone have been used. Most forms play on the square / rectangle / circle motif.
The 26 different stones come from 18 different countries.
Inscriptions : Large angle-carved letters into sandstone blocks along top of curved wall (left to right): CRAIGLEITH QUARRY J SAINSBURY
Carved into stone at front of wall supporting 'garden' in front of work: MCMXCIII
Signatures : [Steel plaque on wall to right gives title, explanation and artist's name]
Text: STONE ALPHABET / The 26 pieces of stone alphabet form a symbolic alphabet, reminding of progress made in communication, / science and art. It is both a monument to its beginnings in / the quarry and a record of the quarry's industrial past. / James Ritchie 1993.
Design period : 1993
Year of unveiling : 1993
Information from Public Monuments and Sculpture Association (PMSA Work Ref : EDIN0167)
