The 'Wishing Stone' by Paul Williams
Made in Ancaster Stone which is a Middle Jurassic oolitic limestone, quarried around Ancaster, Lincolnshire, England.
Paul Williams is a sculptor who works in a variety of materials, but one who really enjoys working in stone. His sculpture “Wishing Stone”, is made from three blocks of cream Ancaster stone. One possible interpretation of this sculpture is that it represents a female form, possibly Emily Talbot, representing the female fight for equality at the time Lady Talbot was alive. The strained features and defiant pose gives an impression of great strength, demonstrating the difficult position females found themselves in at this time in terms of their role in society. Lady Talbot had to take on the full responsibility of running Margam Estate during her lifetime and this must have been a great responsibility. The sculpture has suffered from weathering and staining from lichen, but still remains a strong and impressive sculptural form.
The 'Wishing Stone' can be seen on the lawn alongside the Citrus House in the Orangery Gardens.
If you have information about this sculpture we would love to hear it!