Client: Cathedral Close
Type of works: supplied a 6m diameter mosaic.

As part of a £5m major refurbishment project to restore Cathedral Close in Hereford, Forest Pennant, part of Forest of Dean Stone Firms, Gloucestershire has designed and supplied a six-metre diameter mosaic Apple Tree, created from 100 individual pieces, comprising of around 50m2 of natural stone paving and setts.

With the installation complete, the mosaic was revealed during a Service of Celebration on Sunday 2nd October, part of a weekend of festivities celebrating the unveiling of the new-look Close, which also included a spectacular fireworks display and bell-ringing event on the Saturday evening. The Sunday Service ended outside with the unveiling of the Apple Tree for the Bishop’s blessing.

It was imperative that the natural stone chosen to create the Apple Tree would allow for accurate representation and would not compromise the integrity or symbolism of the design. With a bountiful supply of indigenous stone, it was agreed that a combination of British natural stones would be used. This meant that the colour and tone of the stone would be complementary to the existing built environment and would also boost the environmental qualities of the project, by reducing travel miles.

Nick Horton, managing director of Forest of Dean Stone Firms commented: “I am a firm believer in supporting the British stone industry. I have worked in the industry for over 30 years; gaining an extensive knowledge of the UK’s natural stone reserves and so I was able to compile a shortlist of suitable stone and slate products for the project team. Looking at strength, durability and colour, we agreed on five varieties of stone, Royal Forest Pennant sandstone, Herefordshire Red stone, Red Wilderness, Crosland Hill Yorkstone and Kirkstone slate.”

The blue, grey pennant sandstone was used to create the outer ring and tree, whilst mini setts were used to replicate hedgerows. The fields of Hereford are represented by Herefordshire Red Stone, with the pale, buff coloured, Crosland Hill Yorkstone representative of the sky. The red apples have been produced using Herefordshire Red and Red Wilderness whilst the green apples and leaves have been created from Kirkstone Sea Green and Light Sea Green slate, with a flamed finish.