Cornish Labyrinth “Kerdroya” finished after seven years
The monument hopes to revive the old traditions of Cornish hedging
A Labyrinth named Kerdroya in Cornwall has wrapped up construction after seven years.
The monument hopes to revive the old traditions of Cornish hedging with almost 800m lining the masterpiece showcasing twelve regional styles of a 4,000-year-old craft.
Will Coleman is the artist behind Kerdroya and he aims to celebrate the county’s landscape and honour its rich heritage.
The Cornish Hedge sustains over 500 species of flowering plant and more than 10,000 species of invertebrates.
He also led the Man Engine Project, the largest mechanical puppet ever built, and he plans for the Labyrinth to serve as a reminder of Cornwall’s history for future generations.
The final stone was laid by Coleman’s three-year-old granddaughter Bryher.
Will said:
“Obviously I could have asked any number of the world-famous VIPs that I have in my black book. But I was really keen that it wasn't just another pale, stale male, but it's somebody from the future, somebody who can represent those people who are not even born yet, somebody whom we are handing this planet over to.
"And so it was my darling, little three-year-old granddaughter’s birthday and it felt like a really appropriate thing to ask her to get the last stone in place.
“We've trained more than 60 people over the course of this project including some youngsters who've come into the trade and have obtained qualifications and reached the level of the Guild of Cornish Hedgers. So, that's the proud bit of it.”
Community groups, local businesses and hedge-pledgers have all become involved in the Labyrinth over the last seven years which features dedications and memorials along its path.