From Mine to Multiverse: A Decade of Art and Renewal at Crawick
A derelict coal mine once described as a “brutal eyesore” has become one of Scotland’s most unusual works of public art. Ten years after its unveiling on the summer solstice in 2015, the Crawick Multiverse stands as a bold reimagining of a scarred industrial landscape in Upper Nithsdale.
Created by artist and theorist Charles Jencks, the 55-acre site near Sanquhar and Kirkconnel blends science, sculpture, and land art. The Crawick Multiverse was constructed from natural materials found on the site, including 2,000 boulders left behind by mining operations.
Jencks, who died in 2019, said the land itself inspired the work. “This former opencast coal site, nestled in a bowl of large rolling hills, never did produce enough black gold to keep digging,” he remarked during the 2015 opening. “But it did, accidentally, create the bones of a marvellous ecology.”
The project cost £1 million and was funded entirely by the Duke of Buccleuch, who owns the land. He described the site before its transformation as an “embarrassment” and credited Jencks for turning it into something extraordinary. “When Charles offered to redesign it, we were just over the moon,” he recalled.
Today, the Crawick Multiverse welcomes around 10,000 visitors a year. A network of stone-lined paths leads through cosmic themes galaxies, superclusters, and the multiverse mapped into the earth. A semi-circular amphitheater of standing stones offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
“This was never just about cleaning up an old mine,” the Duke said. “Charles wanted to explore the vast cosmos through art, and he did that with the help of leading scientists like Lord Rees.”
Community Revival and Local Pride
Beyond its visual impact, the Crawick Multiverse has reshaped the local economy and cultural landscape. According to Ronnie Bradford of the Sanquhar Enterprise Company, the site has boosted tourism and created new jobs. “It brought employment for local residents and contracts for trades in the area,” he said.
Bradford also highlighted the venue’s community role. The site hosts school visits, group outings, and seasonal events, often during times of the year when tourism is low. “It offers not only art and education, but also live music and performance, right in the heart of the region,” he said.
A team of young people now manages daily operations, supported by an on-site manager and local trustees. The trust also maintains the landscape and visitor facilities, which have seen steady upgrades over the past decade.
Earlier this year, Historic Environment Scotland recognized Crawick Multiverse as a nationally significant designed landscape, underscoring its cultural value.
Looking Ahead
Gillian Khosla, chair of the Crawick Multiverse Trust, said the anniversary was a moment for both celebration and planning. “We stand on the shoulders of the artist and skilled workers who created this,” she said. “It has become a vital asset to the region.”
She added that the trust now looks to grow the site’s reach while protecting its environment. “Our goal is sustainability environmentally and financially. We’re open to new ideas and collaborations to shape the next decade.”
A sunrise gathering and solstice celebration over the weekend marked the artwork’s first ten years, inviting visitors to reflect on the transformation of a forgotten industrial site into a place of inspiration.
“We invite people to continue visiting and to share the magnificence of the Multiverse,” Khosla said.
What once stood as a scar of Scotland’s mining era now serves as a monument to renewal, imagination, and the stars above.
