Another selection of the incredible sculptures that have been carved in situ from Portland limestone in Tout Quarry on the Isle of Portland, Dorset. Some abstract, some figurative, and others perhaps symbolic. The place is open to the public and free of charge.
You have to take care as you walk around the maze of pathways in this labrynthine complex that was once a most productive source of stone for the building industry. It is called a ‘sculpture park’ but is not a park in any traditional sense. Now, also a nature reserve, there is no labelling of objects, no visitor centre with shop and cafe. Instead, a mystery tour with delights around every corner. You never know what you will see next – a voluptuous mermaid reclining on the rocks; colourful wild flowers blooming in profusion; or even a roosting Small Owl high on a ledge. Wonderful.
Tout Quarry Sculpture Park and Nature Reserve is managed by the Portland Sculpture and Quarry Trust which is an educational body concerned with preserving the history of quarrying on the Isle of Portland, maintaining the traditional stone-working skills, and promoting the use of Portland Stone in many different types of artistic endeavour – from the building of a lithophone to exploit the sound resonating qualities of the stone, to hands-on teaching courses in techniques of carving and sculpting.
Click HERE for more information and videos about the valuable work of the Portland Sculpture and Quarry Trust (PSQT).
COPYRIGHT JESSICA WINDER 2011
All Rights Reserved
Jessica's Nature Blog 
Thanks for letting us know about this place. If I ever make it to that part of England, I’d enjoy visiting and photographing those figures.
Steve Schwartzman
http://portraitsofwildflowers.wordpress.com
LikeLike
Thanks, Steve. It is certainly worth a visit – maybe even get involved in one of the stone sculpture courses.
LikeLike
Isn’t this place wonderful – like a lot of quarries, both used and now quiet, they are fabulous places for nature and many are managed for their specific habitat. I use Portland for carving, but at my regular sandstone quarry there are beautiful plants and I often see little owls.
LikeLike
I think this is a special place, Jennifer. Full of atmosphere as well as natural history interest – and I saw a Little Owl there too but I was too surprised to get a shot of it as it flew away.
LikeLike