Introduction to the Crawick Multiverse
The Crawick Multiverse is a unique landscape artwork located in Upper Nithsdale, southern Scotland. It was created by the late Charles Jencks and officially opened on the summer solstice, June 21, 2015. The artwork was designed to attract international visitors and boost local businesses in the nearby towns of Sanquhar, Kelloholm, and Kirkconnel.
Transformation from Industrial Past
The site was once an open-cast coal mine, but it has been transformed into a stunning work of art. Materials found on the construction site, including 2,000 large boulders, were used to create the multiverse. The £1 million project was financed by the Duke of Buccleuch and has become a significant addition to the region’s cultural landscape.
The Artist’s Vision
Charles Jencks’ vision was to create a work of art that celebrated the surrounding Scottish landscape and its connection to the cosmos. He described the site as having "the bones of wonderful ecology" and sought to represent elements of the universe, including galaxies, superclusters, and the multiverse itself. The artist collaborated with leading international scientists, including Lord Rees, the Astronomer Royal, to create a truly unique and inspiring work of art.
Impact on the Local Community
The Crawick Multiverse has had a positive impact on the local community, attracting around 10,000 visitors per year. The site has created jobs for local residents and supported local businesses. Ronnie Bradford, Community Development Officer of the Sanquhar Enterprise Company, praised the multiverse, saying it has brought "several advantages" to the region, including increased tourism and a higher profile for Upper Nithsdale.
Maintenance and Development
The 55-hectare site requires significant maintenance, with a team of four local young people managing the site and supported by volunteer trustees. The Crawick Multiverse Trust has been working to improve visitor facilities and has recently been recognized as a significant landscape by Historic Environment Scotland.
Celebrating 10 Years
A special celebration was held on Saturday to mark the summer solstice and the multiverse’s 10th anniversary. Gillian Khosla, Chair of the Crawick Multiverse Trust, expressed pride in what has been achieved and looks forward to planning the next decades. The trust aims to develop the site further, increasing its audience and biological diversity while becoming environmentally and financially sustainable.
Looking to the Future
The future of the Crawick Multiverse is bright, with plans to develop the site and increase its appeal to visitors. The trust is open to ideas and suggestions on how to shape the site’s future and invites visitors to continue exploring and sharing the splendor of the multiverse. As the site continues to grow and evolve, it is clear that it has left its industrial past behind and has become a beloved and iconic part of the Scottish landscape.
