Tingley-based sculptor Dave Bedford has found an enthusiastic response to his sculptures currently on display at Mone Brothers’ Blackhill Quarry near Bramhope, Yorkshire.

Founded in 1965, Mone Brothers supplies stone and quarried products to homeowners across Yorkshire as well as to the UK construction industry.

Dave's first job when he left school at the age of 16 was at Woodkirk Quarry in Morley. He went on to study at York College of Arts & Crafts before beginning work as a sculptor. He currently operates out of a workshop at R G Stone in Guiseley. Dave says: “My father was a bricklayer by trade but carved wood as a hobby, which got me interested in sculpture.

“I started displaying my work at Blackhill Quarry last year and I’ve already sold several of the exhibited pieces. I think homeowners are warming to the idea of having an affordable work of art within their home or garden.

“My two favourite pieces currently in situ at Blackhill are ‘Embrace’ and ‘Mini Cooper’. Both are formed from the same Bramley Fall stone that is quarried at Blackhill.

“It’s a very good medium to work with and its distinctive look and feel has played a big part in creating our area’s architectural landscape,” said Dave, who also has a flourishing business in bespoke carved stone fireplaces.

His work is also on show at the Cupola Art Gallery in Sheffield and at Skipton’s Mill Bridge Art Gallery. He says he is always on the look out for more venues to show his sculptures. “I would love see some of my work in the Chelsea Flower Show one day and in some of the bigger galleries around the country.”

Blackhill Quarry Manager Craig Morrell says of Dave's work: “It’s a creative and fascinating addition to our show garden area and a real talking point for visitors. We are actually finding that some customers are coming here specifically to view Dave’s work.”

For more details visit Dave's website at www.undercliffestone.co.uk and Mone Brothers website at www.monebrosdiy.co.uk.