A project for a private residence on Grange Moor, West Yorkshire, by two young dry stone wallers has been given the Dry Stone Walling Association’s highest recognition of a Pinnacle Award.
It is just the 12th Pinnacle Award presented since the scheme was instigated in 1994.
The presentation was made to Lydia Noble and Adam Clarke, both professional members of the Dry Stone Walling Association (DSWA), at the organisation’s Members Weekend and AGM, 12 & 13 March.
Lydia and Adam designed and built the structure, which incorporates an oculus in the corbelled roof, splayed window openings and cantilevered seating.
Made from a mixture of reclaimed stone from the site and newly quarried Crosland Hill sandstone from Johnsons Wellfield Quarries, the shelter is built into sloping ground and is complemented by the surrounding retaining walls and patio area, also built by Lydia and Adam, all without mortar.
Ray Stockall, Chairman of the Dry Stone Walling Association, said when he presented the Awards: “The project is of a technically challenging nature and they have obviously done their research into the construction of such a structure, which is not a common sight in this country.”
Lydia and Adam each received slate trophies and certificates signed by the DSWA Patron, The Prince of Wales. The owners who commissioned the work, who do not wish to be identified, are also acknowledged in the same way.
Lydia, who obtained the commission, said she got some of the ideas for the design from having worked with Andy Loudon, himself a winner of Pinnacle Awards and a DSWA Master Craftsman.
Lydia is 21, but dry stone walling is in her blood. As a child she would accompany her father, Bill Noble, another professional waller who, 20 years ago, worked alongside dry stone walling artist Andy Goldsworthy.
You can find out more about Lydia and her work at noblestonework.com.
A Certificate of Merit was presented by the DSWA for the renovation of an historic dry stone shelter on the Pennine Way National Trail. It was rebuilt as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Trail by Laurie Lambeth, a professional member of the Dry Stone Walling Association, assisted by Rob Bumfitt and Chris Goodier, two trainees from the North Pennines AONB Heritage Skills programme.