The Golden Valley Sundial at Hay Castle

Jul 2, 2026 ‐ Jul 8, 2026

A new touring outdoor artwork by Chris Poolman and Grace Emily Manning.

This summer, Meadow Arts presents The Golden Valley Sundial, a large-scale, interactive artwork by Chris Poolman and Grace Emily Manning.

Coinciding with BorderLands (15 May – 31 August), The Golden Valley Sundial will be at Hay Castle 2 – 8 July. Installed on the castle’s main lawn, in this setting it echoes the lawn and court games historically played on castle grounds. On Sunday 5 July, the artists will facilitate a game to play. Entry to the castle’s outside spaces, shop and cafe are free. Head to their website for more information.

Created with communities across the Golden Valley, the county’s most remote, southwest corner, this outdoors installation combines sculpture, game-play and storytelling. Inspired by folk history, farming traditions and life in rural Herefordshire, the work depicts a series of twelve new folk-icons, and stories shared by members of the rural community. Made from natural and locally sourced materials including cob, wool and plant dyes, the work draws upon the area’s unique landscape, wildlife and historic monuments.

Visitors are invited to explore, play and interact with the artwork using handmade felt balls. Designed for all ages, The Golden Valley Sundial can be enjoyed casually or as part of a simple game.

Chris Poolman and Grace Emily Manning developed the project over many months, through regular and pop-up workshops for residents. Instrumental to this were the staff and members of Peterchurch Youth Club, whose collaborative spirit and vision for the Golden Valley run through the work.

Commissioned by Meadow Arts as part of Our Place Golden Valley, the project celebrates creativity, local knowledge and community collaboration in rural Herefordshire.

Our Place Golden Valley is a Meadow Arts project. It is part of the Our Place Herefordshire programme funded by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, with match funding from Herefordshire Council and Hereford City Council.