Got a Fantastic scan of The Sentinel Sculpture in Calderstones Park scanned with the Creality Otter this turned out great, zero clean up and the full scan was done in around 4 minutes.. scanned this in Texture mode ![]()
If you have spent any time wandering through the greenery of Calderstones Park, you have likely encountered a striking pale monument that seems to bridge the gap between the prehistoric past and the future. This is Sentinel, a masterpiece of modern public art that serves as a silent guardian of the park’s rich heritage.
The Story Behind the Sculpture
Commissioned for the Visionfest 93 Arts Festival, Sentinel was created in 1993 by the renowned British artist Stephen R. Hitchin. The project was made possible with the official support of the Liverpool City Council, intended to add a layer of contemporary culture to one of the city's most beloved public spaces.
The sculpture is carved entirely from Portland stone. This pale limestone is legendary in British architecture, used in everything from St. Paul’s Cathedral to the Cenotaph in London. Its durability ensures that Sentinel will remain a fixture of the park for generations to come.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Artist | Stephen R. Hitchin |
| Year | 1993 |
| Material | Portland Stone |
| Height | 214 cm (approx. 7 feet) |
| Location | Calderstones Park, Liverpool |
A Bridge Across Time
At first glance, Sentinel looks like a piece of futuristic abstract art with its smooth, sweeping curves and its intriguing central opening. However, the "hidden" meaning is actually a tribute to the deep history of the land it stands on.
Hitchin drew inspiration from an old illustration of stones forming the entrance to a Tumulus (a prehistoric burial chamber). This design is a direct nod to the Calderstones themselves—the Neolithic megaliths that give the park its name.
By reimagining these 5,000 year old forms through a 20th century lens, Hitchin created a "sentinel" that watches over the park while connecting visitors to the ancient people who once lived there.
Site Inscription: > SENTINEL BY STEPHEN R HITCHIN WITH SUPPORT FROM LIVERPOOL CITY COUNCIL & VISIONFEST 93.beautiful line between a 5000 year old burial site and 20th century contemporary art.














