King of Dust
Adventures in Forgotten Sculpture
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Little Toller Books
Published:20th May '24
Should be back in stock very soon
This book chronicles a craftsman's journey, blending personal growth with the rich history of stonemasonry, as seen in King of Dust.
In King of Dust, the author takes readers on a deeply personal journey through the captivating world of ancient sculpture. The narrative begins with the inspiration that sparked the author's passion for craftsmanship, tracing the steps that led him to pick up tools and embrace the art of stonemasonry. This exploration is not just about the physical act of carving stone; it delves into the rich history and artistry of medieval carvers whose works still resonate today.
As the author travels through various landscapes, from the majestic Exeter Cathedral to the unique font at Toller Fratrum in Dorset, he celebrates the enduring legacy of the Romanesque period. Each location serves as a backdrop for reflections on the lives of both historical and contemporary stonemasons, weaving their stories into his own. The narrative is an homage to the craftsmanship that has shaped the built environment and a testament to the dedication required to master this ancient craft.
Throughout King of Dust, the author shares his personal transformation as he evolves into a stonemason himself. The book captures the challenges and triumphs of this journey, inviting readers to appreciate the beauty of stone and the artistry behind its manipulation. This paperback edition brings the much-praised hardback to a wider audience, allowing more readers to engage with this inspiring tale of creativity and connection to the past.
'King of Dust is a personal and illuminating pilgrimage into the mysterious deep time of the medieval stonemason's art as it manifests itself, here, right now. And Alex Woodcock is a fantastic travelling companion.' David Keenan;'A story of deep knowledge, self-discovery, mark-making and deft articulation, King of Dust is a masonic portal through which Alex Woodcock explores humankind's relationship with stone.' Dan Richards;'Through his irresistible, honest and gentle detective work he reveals how creative expression in stone has the power to transform human lives.' Beatrice Searle; 'I loved exploring the spaces of this book - the dim forgotten corners, margins and thresholds of architecture, history and belief, teeming with life and meaning. Written with the tactility and insight of a craftsman and the effortless erudition of a scholar, it is a passionate and warm meditation on time, on stone and its shaping, on the place of mystery in the everyday. It acknowledges and celebrates change and continuity, restoration and ruin, the poetics of failure and of perpetual transformation.' Amy Sackville; 'Deeply knowledgeable-Woodcock knows his way around both stone carving technique and medieval sculpture-yet also richly sensitive to feeling and impression.' Pamela Petro; 'In Alex Woodcock's meditative journey around the ancient churches of Devon, Dorset and Cornwall something wonderful is achieved. The centuries in-between drift away as he evocatively connects with the carvers of the Romanesque sculpture that he has sought out.' Andrew Ziminiski; 'What makes it so wonderful is the originality of the subject matter and the clarity and honesty with which he approaches it.' Mathew Clayton, Caught by the River
ISBN: 9781915068354
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown