Helston CAST to host three day granite programme

From Friday, October 13 until Sunday, October 15, Dr David Paton, senior lecturer at Falmouth University will present ‘Water and Stone’, a special programme of talks, walks and demonstrations on the subject of granite.

This three-day event will explore the geological formation of the stone and its impact on the local landscape and built heritage, as well as how it is shaped by human industry and in turn shapes the lives of those who live and work with it.

Urban geologist Dr Ruth Siddall from University College London will give the keynote talk at CAST on the evening of Friday 13th October, addressing the concept of shape as applied to bodies of granite, their constituent crystals, and how these features lead to their being further worked to form sculpture and building stones.

On Saturday afternoon (14th October) David Paton will introduce a rich and varied programme of talks, bringing together specialists in geology, archaeology, cultural geography and traditional artisanal skills - all focusing on granite.

The programme also includes specially devised walks led by artists and geologists, in Helston and environs, and free demonstrations of granite dressing and carving held in the Helston Town Band building on Church Street.

The talks and walks are ticketed and there has been a rush to book, with many events fully subscribed (see the CAST website for further details).

However, the demonstrations of granite dressing and carving in the band room are free and open to all. On Friday 13th Jamie Pharoah will give demonstrations for Helston schools, but there will also be time for visitors to drop in after the end of the school day.

On Saturday 14th sculptor Stéphane Rouget will be working in the space from 10.30am to 4pm and all are invited to drop in and see him at work.

Water and Stone is made possible by the support of Falmouth University, with FEAST, Cornwall Council, Arts Council England, Cornwall Community Foundation and Helston Town Council.