New Public Sculptures Celebrate Newquay’s Communities and Heritage

Published On: 24 June 2025Last Updated: 24 June 2025By CornishStuff

Three new sculptures are set to appear across Newquay this summer, forming a unique walking and cycling trail that links the town’s oldest and newest communities.

Ancient Inspiration, Modern Meaning

The sculptures, known as The Newquay Monoliths, are the work of artist Robin Sullivan and local community arts group ALMA Artspace. Inspired by the ancient Neolithic stones found across Cornwall, these permanent public artworks aim to celebrate Newquay’s past and present by creating new spaces for contemplation and connection.

The Monoliths will be located at:

Barrowfields – the site of the town’s earliest known Bronze Age settlement
Newquay Orchard – a well-used community space
Nansledan – the town’s newest residential area

The first sculpture at Barrowfields will be in place by July, with the others following throughout the summer.

The official unveiling takes place on Sunday 7th September 2025 at the Barrowfields, during ALMA Field Day – a seasonal celebration of art, music and creativity inspired by Newquay’s people, landscapes and stories.

Made by the People of Newquay

Over 300 casts of meaningful places were created by local people and embedded into the sculptures. These fragments capture the textures and memories of the town using local materials including geological stones, flora and even waste items.

The casting process followed a year-long programme of workshops, talks and field trips with contributions from people of all ages and backgrounds. Robin, who grew up in Looe, oversaw the project alongside ALMA Artspace.

Robin said:

“The project has been amazing, it’s so lovely to get to know the communities of Newquay and discover the places that hold significance to individuals. Everyone has given so much of themselves – it’s been a real honour to help bring these differing perspectives together within the three sculptures.”

Lucy Ward and Ingrid Pop from ALMA Artspace added:

“It brings together so many things we care deeply about – art, creativity and nature within our community. We hope that these sculptures, made by and for the people who live here, will become symbols of the amazing spirit of this place.”

📷Robin Sullivan and The Newquay Monoliths (work in progress) © Ingrid Pop. Courtesy ALMA Artspace

A New Walking Trail Through Newquay

Together, the three sculptures form a two-mile trail from the Barrowfields to Nansledan via Newquay Orchard, linking the old and new parts of the town. The concept behind the work – “Yours + Mine = Ours” – draws from the idea that ancient communities once combined their own materials to create shared memorials and gathering places.

Organisations involved include: Cornwall Archaeological Unit, Cornwall Council, the Duchy of Cornwall, Experience Newquay, Gather & Grow, Nansledan Community Association, Newquay Orchard, Newquay Tretherras School, St Petrocs and Trenance Learning Academy.

Lara Simmons, creative lead at Trenance Learning Academy, said:

“When Robin visited us at Trenance, the children and adults alike had a fantastic morning. Robin spoke all about the materials we would be using and gave great advice on creating our one-off tile. The children had an amazing time and this is something they will remember for a long time.”

The project is supported by investment from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, which is managed by Cornwall Council and funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

For more on the unveiling and ALMA Field Day, keep an eye on local announcements this summer.