What shape is a granite? What kind of space does a granite occupy in the Earth’s crust? The understanding of the formation of large masses of granite has developed considerably over the last 100 years and we are beginning to grow a better understanding of how these particularly earth-bound rocks form in the presence of water and in response to the forces of plate tectonics. This talk 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 stone.
This keynote talk by Dr Ruth Siddall is the first event of Water and Stone/Dowr ha Men, 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 will continue on Saturday with walks, talks and demonstrations, and on Sunday with more walks and a pigment workshop.
Dr Ruth Siddall is a geologist specialising in the study of minerals and rocks used in cultural heritage. She has worked extensively on the characterisation and analysis of artists’ pigments, ceramics and building materials, including mortars, bricks and stone. She is a co-author of The Pigment Compendium and the author The Building Stones of Helston a new guide published to coincide with Water and Stone 2023 (copies will be available from CAST Café). Dr Siddall is actively engaged in earth science-related outreach and is currently collaborating in research studying materiality with colleagues at UCL Slade School of Fine Art. She regularly leads guided walks unveiling the geological sources of London’s built heritage. www.ucl.ac.uk
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.