On the Shoulders of Giants: Roaming England's Famous Chalk Figures
This article explores the history and cultural significance of England's ancient hill carvings, known as chalk figures. The author visits several iconic sites, including the Long Man of Wilmington in East Sussex, whose origins may date back to the Anglo-Saxon era or represent a protective spirit admired by artists like Lee Miller and Roland Penrose. Other featured figures include the Litlington White Horse, secretly carved in 1924, and the Cerne Abbas Giant in Dorset. These geoglyphs, numbering around 40, have fascinated writers, musicians, and historians for centuries. Often located near ancient trackways, they serve as mysterious landmarks that blend folklore with historical tribute, such as the George III figure in Osmington Mills. The piece reflects on how these 'tattooed hills' continue to inspire art and conjecture among modern travelers.
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On the Shoulders of Giants: Roaming England's Famous Chalk Figures
This article explores the history and cultural significance of England's ancient hill carvings, known as chalk figures. The author visits several iconic sites, including the Long Man of Wilmington in East Sussex, whose origins may date back to the Anglo-Saxon era or represent a protective spirit admired by artists like Lee Miller and Roland Penrose. Other featured figures include the Litlington White Horse, secretly carved in 1924, and the Cerne Abbas Giant in Dorset. These geoglyphs, numbering around 40, have fascinated writers, musicians, and historians for centuries. Often located near ancient trackways, they serve as mysterious landmarks that blend folklore with historical tribute, such as the George III figure in Osmington Mills. The piece reflects on how these 'tattooed hills' continue to inspire art and conjecture among modern travelers.
The Guardian