Coldstones Quarry is a North Yorkshire limestone quarry almost entirely concealed inside a hill (Greenhow Hill) and unobservable from passing roads. In 2006 Heidelberg, the operators commissioned a public artwork from artist Andrew Sabin to provide a trio of spectacular viewpoints of the quarry activity. It was constructed and opened in 2010. Access is from the B6265 between Pately Bridge and Skipton. Follow this link for otherwise unobtainable views of the totality of the scheme. A strong wind blew in our faces as we made the short but steep path from the car park to the summit where it intensified. Limestone dust particles sand blasted our faces as we struggled to hold a cameraphone while the wind threatened to whip our glasses off. The narrow approach to the viewpoint is a classic piece of compression, arrow straight between walls of massive stone blocks. About two thirds along the way there are branches to left and right offering a spiral climb to elevated platforms. Arrival at the viewing apron brings panoramic views over the entire quarry workings. And all the special pleasure of observing the exposed limestone terracing and heavy machinery in action. Sabin’s sculpture work is often highly coloured with a biomorphic presence and doesn’t immediately connect with what we see here until we consider his interest in containment and release along with the organic spiral forms. Aerial views with the viewing platform at the base echo the phallic presence of the Cerne Abbas Giant. Only 15 to 20 years of reserves remain after which it is planned that the quarry will revert to its ‘natural state’.
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