Crawick Multiverse: A Cosmological Land-Art Masterpiece by Charles Jencks

by Jasmine July 11, 2022

written by Jasmine July 11, 2022

Charles Jencks’s Crawick Multiverse: A Cosmological Land-Art Masterpiece

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of rural Scotland, the Crawick Multiverse is a breathtaking 55-acre land-art park that has transformed a scarred coal mining landscape into a grassy multiverse.

The Duke’s Vision

The mastermind behind this extraordinary creation is Richard Scott, the tenth Duke of Buccleuch. Inspired by the prehistoric standing-stone arrangements found throughout the U.K., the Duke commissioned renowned artist and landscape architect Charles Jencks to create a modern-day Stonehenge on his estate.

Jencks’s Cosmological Bent

Jencks is known for his land art that explores cosmological themes. At the Crawick Multiverse, he has sculpted two hills created from polluted earth into spiraling paths, representing the Andromeda and Milky Way galaxies. The park also features a “comet walk,” a “supercluster” of triangular mounds, and a mudstone path carved with figures depicting different theoretical arrangements of the universe.

Post-Industrial Found Art

Rather than completely reshaping the mining site, Jencks worked with its existing ridges and furrows, creating a unique form of post-industrial found art. This approach not only saved on landscaping costs but also preserved the site’s industrial history.

Celebrating the Scottish Landscape

The Crawick Multiverse is not just a celebration of the cosmos but also of the surrounding Scottish countryside. Jencks has incorporated local boulders into his artwork and designed the park to offer panoramic views of the rolling hills and landmarks beyond.

A Bargain in Today’s Art Market

Despite its grand scale, the Crawick Multiverse was completed for a relatively modest £1 million, a testament to Jencks’s resourceful use of the site’s existing features.

A Unique Artistic Experience

The Crawick Multiverse is not just a beautiful work of art but also an immersive experience that invites visitors to explore the cosmos, the Scottish landscape, and the relationship between art and nature.

Visitor Information

The Crawick Multiverse is open to the public and offers guided tours. Visitors can also explore the park on their own, following the winding paths and discovering the hidden details of Jencks’s masterpiece.

Directions

The Crawick Multiverse is located near the town of Sanquhar in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. It is easily accessible by car and has ample parking available.

Other Attractions Nearby

In addition to the Crawick Multiverse, the area offers a range of other attractions, including historic castles, picturesque villages, and scenic hiking trails. Visitors can easily spend a day or more exploring the region’s many treasures.

Jasmine

Jasmine's journey began with a camera in hand and a heart brimming with stories. The world, for her, wasn't just a collection of sights and sounds; it was a vibrant tapestry woven with intricate details, each one waiting to be captured and explored. This inherent curiosity naturally led her to the written word, where she discovered the power of language to weave narratives that resonated with the soul. Jasmine's articles in LifeScienceArt's life section are a testament to this synergy. Her words dance across the page, painting vivid pictures that transport readers to the heart of the experience. Whether it's the quiet contemplation sparked by a morning sunrise or the electrifying energy of a bustling city street, Jasmine has an uncanny ability to translate the essence of a moment into words that resonate. But Jasmine's talents extend far beyond the written word. With a keen eye for detail and a photographer's soul, she sees the world through a unique lens. Her photographs are more than just snapshots; they're windows into hidden emotions and unspoken narratives. A single image, captured with Jasmine's signature touch, can evoke a kaleidoscope of feelings, prompting introspection and igniting a sense of wonder in the viewer. The way she plays with light and shadow, or the way she finds beauty in the ordinary, speaks volumes about her artistic vision. It's clear that Jasmine doesn't just see the world; she feels it, deeply and passionately. This depth of feeling is evident in her writing as well. Jasmine's articles are infused with a raw honesty that connects with readers on a personal level. She doesn't shy away from exploring the complexities of life, the joys and sorrows, the triumphs and failures that we all experience. But even when tackling difficult topics, there's an underlying optimism in her words, a belief in the inherent resilience of the human spirit. Jasmine's writing encourages readers to embrace the full spectrum of life's experiences, to find beauty in the unexpected, and to navigate the challenges with courage and grace. One gets the sense that Jasmine's own life is a continuous exploration, a constant search for new experiences and perspectives. Whether it's venturing off the beaten path to capture a hidden gem through her lens or delving into the depths of human emotion through her writing, Jasmine thrives on the journey itself. This inherent sense of adventure is infectious, inspiring readers to embark on their own explorations, both internal and external. Jasmine's work isn't just about capturing moments; it's about igniting a spark of curiosity and a desire to live life to the fullest. Perhaps the most captivating aspect of Jasmine's work is the sense of intimacy it evokes. Reading her articles feels like having a conversation with a close friend, someone who understands the nuances of life and isn't afraid to share their vulnerabilities. This ability to connect with readers on a personal level is what makes Jasmine's writing so powerful and enduring. It's a testament to her own authenticity and her genuine desire to connect with others through the magic of words and images.