Coldstones Cut

Coldstones Cut claims to be Yorkshire’s ‘biggest and highest public artwork’. Once a humble viewing platform overlooking Coldtsones Quarry between Grassington and Pateley Bridge, it is now a rather intriguing tribute to the great limestones which are taken from the earth. Indeed, it gave me a rather numinous feeling as I entered its gateway and approached the red, circular dome which sits in its middle. Although its makers and planners may be as godless as most other twenty-first-century Britons, the whole place is an acknowledgement of the earth’s beauty and utility. The very materials we need for building and agriculture have been tucked away for us in the ground; the inspiring scenery and panoramic views bespeak the stunning attractiveness of our planet. Coldstones Cut is a latter-day temple to the Unknown God, a deity who creates and gives to us freely and generously. Paul describes Him more fully in Colossians chapter 1:

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the pre-eminence.

Furthermore, He does not limit His generosity to rocks and minerals, breath and beauty, but extends it to life and grace:

For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. (NKJV)