A LOCAL sculptor is using two nine-foot Somerset stones to create a piece of public art for the grounds of an independent-living luxury apartment complex which is under construction in Taunton.

Olivia Sanders, who lives on the Somerset Levels, has chosen two stones - a red sandstone block from West Somerset, and a ham stone block from Ham Hill in East Somerset - which will each feature one cut and polished side.

The stone blocks, which collectively weigh eight tons (equivalent to the weight of around four-and-a-half cars or 2,500 bricks), will create a sculpture for the landscaped gardens of Quantock House, which is being constructed by Platinum Skies.

Quantock House is an eight-storey apartment complex for people aged 55 and over in Paul Street in the town centre, which will feature 89 one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments.

Olivia said: “I wanted to make a sculpture that responded to this contemporary 21st-century building, while also making a bridge between the building and its location in the heart of Somerset.

"I started thinking about the geology of Somerset and I thought about how the vale of Taunton is directly halfway between these two types of stone.

"There are also some very good examples of these two stones used together in some historical architecture in Taunton itself.

“It is about making something that is not only relevant to Somerset, and which can connect the building and its location, but which is also accessible to the public.

"The public will be able to go and stand between these stones at the junction point between them and the building, and be simultaneously in touch with ancient geological time, contemporary time, and our human timeline, and also between Somerset’s rural and urban landscape.

“I think Quantock House is an exciting building and I’m looking forward to seeing it all finished, with the sculpture in place, because you can draw it and imagine it, but the reality is the next step.”

Somerset County Gazette:

APARTMENT COMPLEX: An artist's impression of Quantock House in Taunton

Olivia’s sculpture will be installed in the gardens of Quantock House when all internal and external work is completed on the building, which is now scheduled for October this year.

A public open event for Quantock House will take place between May 17 and May 23 this year, which will enable viewers to have the first pick of the apartments to be reserved off-plan.

Enhanced Covid-safe measures will be in place for the benefit of visitors and the Platinum Skies team, and places must be booked in advance.

For more information about the apartments at Quantock House - with prices starting from £117,500, based on a homebuyer paying 50 per cent of the property’s full retail value - visit Platinumskies.co.uk or call 01202 044996.