The Coldstones Cut is public art on a monumental scale. Created as a sculptural response to the Coldstones Quarry at Pateley Bridge, the sculpture is a maze of streets, pathways and platforms enclosed within massive stone walls. At certain points this immersive experience gives way to extraordinary views which at times look outwards over stunning vistas o the Yorkshire Dales or look downwards into the profoundly deep pit of the quarry at the bottom of which 60 tonne trucks move about like small toys.
The sculpture functions as an interpretive medium for the surrounding landscape, its industrial heritage and its relationship with the working quarry. It combines the curious conventions of a contemporary streetscape with the brute impressiveness of ancient stone block constructions. Perched at a height of 1375 feet above sea level, it can be freely explored by visitors who can walk the street and the various winding paths within and experience the extraordinary vistas which the platforms expose.
Only a visit to the Coldstones Cut can demonstrate the scale and splendour of the sculpture and its location. To get a foretaste of the Coldstones Cut experience you can view our gallery of images showing the construction of the sculpture and some of its outstanding features.
Coldstones Quarry, situated on the peak of Greenhow Hill, is one of the highest and deepest quarries in England. Despite its huge size, the quarry is hidden from view by its location and by a protective earth bund. In 2006, following changes to the quarry boundaries, it was decided to replace a simple existing viewing platform with something special that would last the test of time and would attract visitors in perpetuity.
With advice from The Henry Moore Institute, Nidderdale Visual Arts, a local voluntary arts organisation, together with Hanson Aggregates which, at that time, operated the quarry, offered a design commission to the sculptor Andrew Sabin. The project was developed over a 3 year period during which the artistic content, the engineering and the build methodologies were resolved. Consultation demonstrated a large public support and delivery team was established that included Harrogate Borough Council alongside The Nidderdale Plus Partnership, the community hub.
Planning permission was granted in 2009 and funding was obtained from Arts Council England and from the Natural England Aggregates Levy. Construction commenced on site on a wild snowy day in March 2010 and the sculpture was officially opened by Dr. Penelope Curtis, Director of Tate Britain on 16th September 2010.
The development and construction of The Coldstones Cut was funded by the following bodies:-
Natural England; Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund
National Lottery through Arts Council England – Yorkshire
Yorkshire Forward
Yorkshire Dales LEADER Programme
Renaissance Market Town Programme
Technical and Construction Work was undertaken by:-
Houseman & Falshaw Ltd
Harrogate – Building Contractors
Blue Sky Consultants
Harrogate – Structural Engineer/Lead Consultant
Michael Eyres Partnership LLP
Bradford – Quantity Surveyors
24 hours a day seven days a week all year round.
