The medieval walls of Carew Castle will be the backdrop to unique standing stone sculptures carved in bluestone by North Pembrokeshire based sculptor Darren Yeadon this summer.

Darren has always been fascinated by bluestone, or dolerite, the geological name for Preseli bluestone, which is quarried responsibly from loose pieces on private farmland away from protected conservation and SSSI sites (Sites of Special Scientific Interest).

This exhibition at Carew Castle, managed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, will take place from May 7 to July 31 and features striking designs on stones up to 1.5m high.

Carew Castle manager Daisy Hughes said: “Part of our role at Carew Castle is to help people enjoy and discover local history.

“We hope that people not only enjoy the carvings, but will also learn a bit about the source of the stone from which they are carved and the associated links between the Preseli Hills and Stonehenge.”

Dolerite is a very hard, abrasive and heavy stone, and the process of removing it through to carving and polishing the finished piece is a very physically demanding process.

Sculptor Darren Yeadon added: “This project is one of the hardest ones I’ve done - sourcing the stones, digging them out and breaking them up was quite a bit more than a physical challenge. Transporting them to my studio was another challenge, not to mention the actual work involved carving into this.

“Through this journey the stones seemed to form themselves and the designs worked naturally and fit with each other. Definitely there is some real magic and spiritual energy here connecting these sculptures to the earth.”

All of the sculptures are available to purchase. More information about Darren and his work can be found at www.darrenyeadonartistinstone.com.

For more information about other events at Carew Castle and Tidal Mill, please go to www.carewcastle.com.

Caption:

Sculptor Darren Yeadon carving a standing stone sculpture as part of his Carew Castle exhibition starting May 7.