Winter Solstice at Stonehenge
Recycled 100 year old silver Half Crown coin depicting Winter Solstice at Stonehenge
This enchanting scene is particularly special for those who hold the Solstices dear. In Iranian tradition, there is a celebration of the Northern Hemisphere’s Winter Solstice called Yalda Night, or Shabe Chelleh. This is one of Iran’s oldest traditions, one of the few remaining pieces of Persian culture around today. There are many other fabulous and rich cultures which incorporate this special day into their calendar, and so I thought it fitting to make a piece to reflect them. Stonehenge has always been a particularly magical place in Albion, and, in the Winter Solstice, holds a particular strength for me.
The coins I use to create Winter Solstice are marred from wear marks from being used to buy and sell over one hundred years ago. Rather than let them simply be melted down for the silver content, I absolutely love coming up with designs and ideas. Then, I can transform them into magical, moonlit scene. By doing this I retain the historical details, simultaneously adding depth, interest and intrigue to the Winter Solstice at Stonehenge.
I have individually hand-cut, carved and engraved the details from the silver Half Crown with a traditional jewellers’ hand tools. As I hand-cut each coin individually to order, every one is completely unique and unusual. They look and feel special. If you liked this little froglet, why not have a look at these traditional runes?
Handmade & Recycled in Cambridge, England.
Size : Approx 32 mm diameter
Michelle Jones –
I was born on Christmas Eve, so this really resonates with me. It is so beautifully sculpted, I cannot believe the detail he’s managed to bring out of an old coin! I am lucky enough to to have several HG pieces, and they are pieces of miniature art. I look forward to many more birthday, Christmas and anniversary gifts…!