A three-day celebration of granite, exploring the geological formation of the stone and its impact on landscape and built heritage, as well as the ways in which it is shaped by human industry and in turn shapes the lives of those who live and work with it. Water and Stone is led by sculptor, Senior Lecturer at Falmouth University and granite enthusiast Dr David Paton.
On Friday evening urban geologist Dr Ruth Siddall will return to Helston to give the keynote talk , in which she will address the concept of shape as applied to bodies of granite, their constituent crystals, and how these features lead to their being further worked to form sculpture and building stones.
On Saturday afternoon Dr David Paton will introduce a programme of talks bringing together specialists in geology, archaeology, cultural geography, film-making and traditional artisanal skills.
The programme also includes specially devised walks led by artists and geologists in Helston and environs, free demonstrations of granite dressing and carving, and a pigment workshop.
The granite carving and dressing demonstrations on Saturday are free, all welcome. All other events must be booked individually:
Friday 13:
Keynote talk by urban geologist Dr Ruth Siddall, preceded by a CAST Café supper – book here.
Saturday 14:
A choice of two morning walks. Free but booking essential; those booking talk tickets will have the first opportunity to reserve places and will be contacted individually.
Reading in Place, coastal walk devised and led by artist Bronwen Buckeridge, setting out from Rinsey car park, 10am – 12.30pm – read more.
A Mason’s Mark, walk in central Helston led by Ruth Siddall and David Paton, setting out from CAST, 10.30am – 12 noon – read more.
Granite splitting and carving demonstrations with Stéphane Rouget, Helston Town Band Room, Church Street, 10.30am – 4pm. Free, just drop in.
CAST Café is taking pre-bookings for a bowl of delicious soup and bread served in CAST’s learning studio at 1pm – book here. You may also book for lunch in the Café.
Programme of talks in the afternoon – booking essential:
David Paton will introduce a programme of talks exploring the formation, uses and impacts of granite from historical, geological, archaeological and artistic perspectives, from 2 to 6pm – book here.
Sunday 15:
A choice of two morning walks:
Reading in Place, coastal walk devised and led by artist Bronwen Buckeridge, setting out from Rinsey car park, 10am – 12.30pm – read more.
On Softer Ground, walk with artist and granite enthusiast David Paton and geologist Beth Simons from Godolphin to Tregonning Hill, 10am – 12.30pm – book here.
And an afternoon pigment workshop at CAST: led by Ruth Siddall, 2.30 – 4.30pm – book here.
Water and Stone is made possible by the support of Falmouth University, with FEAST, Cornwall Council, Arts Council England, Cornwall Community Foundation and Helston Town Council.