Young sculptor cutting a name for himself in stone

YOUNG Ballycastle sculptor Cahal Newcombe put the final touches to the Robert Dunlop Pillar of Achievement in the new memorial garden recently opened in Ballymoney which is dedicated to the Mighty Micro's memory.

The expertly crafted spheres are solid black granite, the heaviest weighing 80kg.

Cahal is proving to be a chip of the old block if the attention to detail and excellence of this piece of sculpture is anything to go by.

Since joining the family firm eight years ago Cahal has made a impressive mark in the arena of public and private art.

He was commissioned by the University of Ulster at both Coleraine and Jordonstown campuses to craft two pieces each weighing four and half ton in emerald pearl Norwegian granite to compliment the Science Faculty at Coleraine and The Engineering Faculty at Jordonstown.

He recently created a lark in flight from granamore granite to compliment and adorn an impressive piece of Art in Derry

And a private commission in Irish limestone of a life size replica of the world famous Gaudi sculptures in Barcelona. He offers specialist knowledge in restoration and repair .

The family run firm were delighted to commissioned by Patsy Bradley Contractors Kilrea to create the fitting tribute to Robert's memory and worked closely with Robert Ross architects thought the process.

The tight time schedule set with the North West looming created a huge challenge for the firm who were determined that no stone would be left unturned in a supreme effort to meet the deadline.

Working in the face of the radically changing dynamics within the stone trade and subsequent growth of 'import finished stone'.

It was no easy task to source the enormous amount of granite needed for the task within the U.K. needed to create the seven piece pillar with the combined weight of over four tons.

Each block was hewn from solid stone.

However determination that is brought to every task.

The hunt began with many a false lead before the granite was secured and shipped from Scotland to Ballycastle.

Since his father's retirement Cahal runs the respected family business along with his mother Heather.

C. L. Newcombe & Sons Clare Street Ballycastle offers all of the age old traditional stone skill that have sadly declined in a world of mechanism and quick fixes.

Among the services provided are new headstones, hand cut lettering, lead lettering, memorial restoration, design service and bespoke memorial from raw stone along with a large selection of grave ornamental products.

Cahal or Heather can be contacted on Telephone no 028 20762853 . Mobile 07989040450. email: [email protected]

Related topics: