Scottish quarry being transformed into work of art

01 August, 2003

THE construction phase of an ambitious project which fuses landscape and sculpture and draws attention to the historic granite quarry at Kemnay in Aberdeenshire is nearing completion.

"‘Place of Origin’ is an artist-led initiative which involves quarry owners Aggregate Industries UK Ltd, the Scottish Sculpture Workshop and a number of artists, partners and funders. Using the quarry as their canvas, the artists are exploring ways in which the landscape can be made into art rather than art being placed in the landscape."

"Thousands of tonnes of waste material from the quarry have been donated to construct a new summit at the site’s southern rim. This will be made into an observation platform looking directly into the quarry void and over the granite workings to the landscape of the Garioch. In addition, adjacent community woodland also incorporates features that highlight the use of granite in the landscape. Once complete, the site will be opened to the public as a visitor attraction."

"The project was originally conceived in 1995 as a conventional visitor centre with displays of granite sculpture nearby, but it was quickly realized that a museum with staff and facilities would not be viable and the idea was dropped."

"Nevertheless, there remained considerable enthusiasm for the landscape elements, which the artist team later developed as ‘Place of Origin’ –– the plans for which mirrored Aggregate Industries’ commitment to sustainable restoration by combining culture, the environment and art."

"John Maine, one of the project’s three artists, commented: ‘Despite its importance to the local economy, there has been no official recognition given to the stone industry in this area until now."

"‘This is a huge contribution by Aggregate Industries in helping to establish one of the most important cultural aspects of north-east Scotland which will be enjoyed by local, national and even international visitors for many years to come.’"

‘Place of Origin’ is expected to officially open in autumn 2004.