Stone me

Lecturer brings taste of the countryside to the city

A graphic designer at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has taken the building blocks of learning to a higher level.

Senior Lecturer Andy Bainbridge has used the skills he learnt as a youngster on his parents’ farm to create a 10 yards drystone wall complete with stile in the heart of UCLan’s PR1 Gallery.

The 41-year-old, who spent his first 19 years living in Shap, Cumbria, decided to highlight the skill involved in the ancient craft while bringing a shot of rural life to the city.

“It’s all about the design and having an eye for detail,” said Andy. “Whether you are designing a page or a dress you need to have an eye for detail and this was a way of showing the students how all design skills are transferable but can be used in a different context.

“I wanted to take a drystone wall out of its normal position of being in the middle of an uneven field surrounded by sheep. When it’s in an all white gallery space you see it in a different context and can then see the intricacies of the work involved.”

Andy has used 13 tonnes of pre-Cambrian pink sandstone, which dates back 3,400 million years and was brought down from his parents’ farm.

He said: “I was made to learn how to make a drystone wall as part of my chores back on the farm. I built my first when I was 15 and I’ve been doing it on and off ever since. Nowadays I like doing more ornamental walls but I like escaping to this art form as it’s peaceful and meditative.”

The wall will be on display in the PR1 Gallery, Victoria building, until next Friday, October 31.

28 October 2008