Have you seen this man? There’s joy to be had in making a discovery when there’s no fanfare or preamble to give the game away. I think Pillars Past is one of those - head out of Pateley Bridge along the path beside the River Nidd, look up and across to your left and you’ll notice three sandstone figures quietly sitting in a circle.
From a distance they look a bit like ancient standing stones. They were created quite recently, in 2014 by local stonemason and sculptor, Joseph Hayton to depict the industrial, agricultural and monastic pillars that were dominant in Nidderdale’s history.
Stand in the centre of the circle, on the site of the old railway turntable, and feel the commanding presence of the Fountains Abbey monk, lead miner and sheep farmer as their severe beady eyes look back at you.
You can see more of Joseph's work at the King Street Workshops, tucked away behind the High Street close to the Nidderdale Museum in Nidderdale National Landscape
Photo: Amanda Brown