Custodians of the Landscape
Twenty tonnes of Triassic sandstone.
The ‘Custodians of the Landscape’ sandstone sculptures were carved on site at Two Rivers in the winter of 2015 by international artist Ben Dearnley. More than 20 tonnes of Triassic Narrabeen sandstone sourced from the vineyard were used to create this unique and compelling project.
This sandstone, laid down 200 million years ago, is renowned for its abundance of carved and painted Aboriginal rock art, and it is this that Ben directly references in his work while also reflecting the immediate landscape. The flowing, dynamic nature of the sculptures reflects the ever-changing moods and seasons of a vineyard where growing the vines is a labour of love in tune with nature itself.
English-born, trained at Camberwell and in the marble yards of Italy, Ben now lives in Ireland and has completed numerous large-scale works around the UK. His eight pieces stand around the cellar door and the entry to the vineyard, designed to collectively reflect the importance Two Rivers places on its landscape.
Around the cellar door
Eight pieces, one landscape.
They stand around the cellar door and the entry to the vineyard — best seen early, or in the last hour of the day.
01Eight custodians, at dawn
02A custodian, close
03Late light at the cellar door
04A custodian at dusk
05First light on the stone
06Among the rows
Photographs from the current Two Rivers site. The client shoot replaces the low-resolution frames.
More on InstagramOpen daily at the cellar door
Come get to know us.
Sweeping vineyard views from the courtyard, estate-grown wines paired with local Upper Hunter cheese and antipasto, the sculptures to wander among and lawn games for the kids. There’s something for everyone.
Book a tastingOr stay the night at the cottage, a stone’s throw from the cellar door.