Cardiff Harbour Authority with
Arts & Business Cymru.
The Story Stone, a celebration of the first 25 years of the Cardiff Harbour Authority
THE STORY STONE
Cardiff Harbour, on the barrage
A Celebration of the Harbour Authority's first 25 years.
This project brings together the ancient world of standing stones with a modern twist. Within this huge piece of Welsh slate we have some of the stories of this wonderful regeneration of Cardiff Bay.
This commission was designed in a collaboration with the team at the Cardiff Harbour Authority as a way to capture some of the elements which are celebrated here on a daily basis. The huge freshwater lake where sailing in safety is a big asset for the sailing school. The walkway for families, cyclists and joggers alike provides one of the most scenic routes in the city, all in the safe environment of the harbour. The wetlands pontoon and reed-beds provide a close up connection with wildlife and each of these aspects are detailed within the stained glass windows of the sculpted standing stone.
The 3 stained glass windows each have a different part of the 25th anniversary sculpture story to tell. From the lowest panel where we can see the harbour as it used to be when the tide was out. With the second highest tidal range in the world at around 13.6 meters, back then, ships were often grounded in the shallows until the tide lifted them afloat to continue on into the harbour. Then we see the Barrage with the islands of Flat Holm and Steep Holm on the horizon. This panel marks the beginnings of the changes we see today with the following images telling of the 'Clean up Boat' and the constant works that go on behind the scenes to help keep the giant freshwater lake clean. And then, the leaping Salmon which has made its return to these waters. For the rest of the stories you will have to visit the Barrage to fully appreciate all the wonderful recreational developments in this amazing part of the great Welsh coastline.
The images above and below show something of the process of design and creating this large piece which stands 2.4m tall and gives a space to stand and explore all the small details within the glass-works. More information coming soon.
The Cardiff Harbour Authority Arts & Business Cymru
Arts & Business Cymru, CultureStep, going the extra mile.
Please look for updates here to follow this fantastic community involvement project.
With the help of Arts & Business Cymru's CultureStep program, and in collaboration with The Cardiff Harbour Authority we can look forward to the addition of an exciting community based Arts program which will run during the summer of 2026. Ben will lead workshops with selected local primary schools and Care homes, adding a special Arts day to Flat Holm Island with a Teenage group as well as an open public arts session during the Cardiff Harbour Authorities Flat Holm appreciation open day. The art created will be linked to the main feature 'Story Stone' which has 3 stained glass windows depicting the many different activities which have been made possible by the works done in this area. During these art sessions, everyone partaking will be creating their own 'mini masterpiece' with a stained glass-like panel, based on Cardiff Harbour and what it means to them. These will then be collated into a large montage which will go on display in celebration of the first 25 years of the Harbour Authorities amazing contribution to the regeneration of this part of the City.
Ben says: "My aim here is to provide a fun and dynamic experience for all taking part. To inspire a wide range of different age groups from the very young to those who will have memories of life here long before the Barrage existed. We will together, create a wonderful array of vibrant artworks which will themselves each tell a little part of Cardiff's ever evolving story".