Stonehenge: Laser scan for hidden clues

“Stonehenge is being scanned using modern laser technology to search for hidden clues about how and why it was built. All visible faces of the standing and fallen stones, many of which are obscured by lichen, will be surveyed. Some ancient carvings have previously been found on the stones, including a famous Neolithic “dagger”. The survey is already in progress and is expected to finish by the end of March. “The surfaces of the stones of Stonehenge hold fascinating clues to the past,” said English Heritage archaeologist Dave Batchelor. The team will be looking for ancient “rock art”, but also for more modern graffiti, in a comprehensive survey of the site.”

More here – http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12688085 and here –
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/about/news/stonehenge-in-high-definition/
Video here – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxAnanfB_rg

Paul Nash and The Wittenham Clumps

 

The Wittenham Clumps by Paul Nash

 

“Throughout his career as an artist, Paul Nash (1889-1946) had a special affinity for the wooded hills in South Oxfordshire called The Wittenham Clumps. First encountering them in his late teenage years, he was immediately caught by their atmospheric shapes and mystical associations. The Clumps became a rich source of inspiration for him and he returned to paint them many times during his life. 2011 marks ONE HUNDRED YEARS since Nash wrote of his discovery of the Clumps, calling it ‘a beautiful legendary country’

 

“2012 will mark the Centenary of Nash’s first paintings of Wittenham Clumps. We* are marking this important event by exploring Nash’s unique connection with the landscape, looking at some of his work that originated here and showing how the area has changed since his lifetime.”

* nashclumps.org produced by Christopher Baines & Anna Dillon. and supported by The North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. All Paul Nash artwork © Tate, London, 2011.

More here – http://www.nashclumps.org/index.html