In a poignant intersection of art and memorial, renowned sculptor Andy Goldsworthy is embarking on a new project entitled “Gravestones,” which aims to transform the stones from local cemeteries into a meaningful installation in the Lowther Hills, Dumfries and Galloway. This ambitious undertaking reflects Goldsworthy’s deep respect for the grieving process and seeks to create a space that encourages both mourning and celebration of lost loved ones.
A Unique Artistic Vision
Goldsworthy recently visited a graveyard in Kirkconnel, where gravediggers had unearthed rich red clay to make room for a new coffin. As he sifted through the soil, searching for stones, he envisioned how these materials—displaced by the act of burial—could be repurposed for his artwork. He is partnering with gravediggers from 108 cemeteries across the region to source thousands of stones that will contribute to an expansive installation measuring 25 by 25 metres, enclosed by a wall.
“This project is done with utmost care, seriousness, and respect,” Goldsworthy emphasised, sharing his desire for the installation to serve as a sacred space where people can reflect on their losses. He believes that the elevated location, surrounded by stunning natural vistas, will provide a spiritual uplift, contrasting with the pain often associated with funerals.
Collaboration with Local Gravediggers
Local gravedigger Toby Howat, aged 25, is playing a crucial role in this project. He expressed his commitment to ensuring that the process is handled with the highest respect. “At the end of the day, it’s somebody’s loved one,” Howat remarked, highlighting the sensitivity required in their work. He described the upcoming artwork as a collective tribute, representing “a bit of everybody’s grave combined together.”
Goldsworthy’s vision for the installation is to create a “sea of stones,” layered more than half a metre deep, with both gravestones and ordinary stones. He hopes this stark and simple arrangement will evoke a profound sense of humanity and the connections between life and death.
Financial Support for Public Art
The project has received a generous boost of £200,000 from the newly established “Dent in the Universe” art prize, aimed at funding significant public artworks across the UK. This initiative, developed by the Hugo Burge Foundation, seeks to revive the tradition of commissioning art that the public can enjoy. According to Lucy Brown, CEO of the foundation, this prize represents the largest single source of funding for public art currently available in the UK.
The funding comes from the estate of Hugo Burge, who passed away in 2023. Burge was a notable philanthropist and founder of the travel search engine Cheap Flights. His legacy aims to enrich the public’s experience of art and culture, creating bold and enduring works that resonate with communities.
A Personal Journey of Reflection
Goldsworthy’s connection to this project is deeply personal. Following the death of his ex-wife in 2008, he found inspiration in the stones left behind by gravediggers. The sight of these displaced stones sparked an epiphany, leading him to explore the emotional weight they carry. “The connection between the body and the stone, the displacement but also the connection, is a reminder of where we come from and where we end up,” he reflected.
Throughout his 50-year career, Goldsworthy has created works that often engage with nature in profound ways. His creations have ranged from temporary installations that disappear with the seasons to more permanent structures, such as the six-mile Hanging Stones trail in North Yorkshire. His artistry draws on natural materials, and his recent retrospective at Edinburgh’s National Galleries Scotland underscored his significant impact on the contemporary art scene.
Why it Matters
Goldsworthy’s “Gravestones” project is more than just an artistic endeavour; it is a vital contribution to the cultural landscape of Dumfries and Galloway that invites reflection on themes of loss, memory, and community. By transforming forgotten stones into a meaningful tribute, Goldsworthy not only honours individual lives but also creates a communal space for healing and remembrance. In a world where public art is often sidelined, this initiative serves as a reminder of the power of art to connect us to our shared humanity and to each other.
