The site itself, at Cold Law Northumberland is just as important as the landmark.
Its historical and geographical characteristics have been sympathetically considered by artist and incorporated into the landmark.
Hepple Heugh: A distinctive topographical form 750m south of The Elizabeth Landmark, the summit of which is at a height of 336 AOD; which the tip of the landmark would match exactly.
Queen Victoria Cairn: A stone formed monument located to the north to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897. The height of this cairn is identical to that of Hepple Heugh at 336 AOD (Above Ordnance Datum).
Astronomical Marker : Tri Radial Cairns, are archaeological stone artefacts found in Redesdale and on the surrounding Ray Estate. They are thought to be constructed in the Bronze Age (c.2,000BC-400BC) as astronomical markers of the Winter Solstice. The ‘sundial’ aspect of the Landmark echoes these heritage assets, with the tip of the blade also marking the zenith of the Summer Solstice and the equinox, as well as stones marking the Queen’s Birthday.
Lord Armstrong: Established his first ironworks just west of the site; and this industrial legacy has informed aspects of the landmarks design and landscaping.
Landscape context: The topography of Cold Law and the earthly, umber tones found in the landscape are directly referenced in the shape and colour of the weathering steel.
Charles Parsons: former owner of the Ray Estate. Prominent engineer best known for his invention of the steam turbine which has influenced the Landmark’s design.
Sustainability & Environmental Impact
The project is carbon neutral and environmentally sustainable. Environmental specialists have positively assessed the site and proposed additional enhancements for wildlife and habitat management which we will implement.
Archaeologists have surveyed the area and demonstrated that there will be no negative impact to the important historic sites in the wider local area.
Traffic engineers and Landscape Designers have set the carpark subtly at the foot of Cold Law hill with a winding accessible pathway leading up to the summit.
Visual impact assessments have been commissioned along with a 3-dimensional digital model of the landmark as part of the design and Planning Permission process to demonstrate how the landmark can sit sensitively within the rural landscape.
A team of specialists from Northumberland and Tyneside have worked with the artist to produce a thoughtful and dynamic design uniting the 55m tall steel structure of The Elizabeth Landmark with a sensitive and accessible landscape design.
The Elizabeth Landmark imagined among the rugged Northumbrian landscape.