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.
The Golden Valley Sundial will be at Hellens Manor on 10, 14 and 17 June. Set in the beautiful wildflower meadow, the work echoes the estate’s contemporary stone circle and wilder edgelands.
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.
On Sunday 14 June, 12 – 3pm, the artists will lead cob and woad workshops and facilitate game play. Admission to the grounds and gardens at Hellens is free and you do not need to book in advance. Details of the workshop listed below:
Cob Corbels
Get hands-on with cob and create your own sculpted face inspired by the Golden Valley Sundial. The sculptures take inspiration from Herefordshire’s wildlife, Romanesque carvings, and ancient Celtic spring-head figures found in the local landscape.
Peg Loom Weaving
Have a go on our circular peg loom and weave with wool naturally dyed using plants grown at our Ledbury-based studio, including woad and weld. Discover how these heritage dye plants coloured the textiles of the Sundial.
Make a Sundial Ball
Make your own wool-wrapped cone-ball to play in the Sundial Games!
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.
Dates: 10, 14 and 17 June 2026
Open Wednesdays & Sundays
Time: 10.30am – 5pm
Entry to the grounds is free, admission charges apply for the Manor House
Cob building workshop on 14 June
12 – 3pm | Free, drop-in
Featured Artists
Grace Emily Manning & Chris Poolman
Grace Emily Manning is an artist who grew up in the suburbs of London, on the border of…
