King of Dust: Adventures in forgotten sculpture

King of Dust is a documentary film about a stonemason's journey through south-west England and the Romanesque sculpture that inspired him to pick up tools. It follows a year of these wanderings, being both an archaeology of the images and a meditation on learning the craft. It is about the power of medieval art to transform a life.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 13 May 2019
Publisher: Little Toller Books

King of Dust is a captivating personal journey through the picturesque landscapes of south-west England, coupled with the sculpture that ignited a profound passion within the archaeologist Alex Woodcock to pick up his tools. As the early years of the 21st century unfolded, plagued by mental exhaustion, Alex embarked on a transformative experience by carving a stone for the very first time. It was at that moment that he realized the vast depths of knowledge and understanding that lay hidden within the subject that had become the cornerstone of his life's work. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a desire to explore every facet of his craft, Alex retrained as a stonemason, immersing himself in the art of stone carving. For several years, he dedicated himself to working at Exeter Cathedral, where he honed his skills and deepened his appreciation for the craft.

However, the call of the unknown beckoned, and ten years after that first carving, Alex found himself drawn to the lesser-known Romanesque (12th century) carvings of the south-west. Fueled by a renewed sense of curiosity, he embarked on a year-long exploration of these hidden treasures. King of Dust chronicles this captivating journey, serving as both an archaeology of the images and a profound meditation on the art of learning. At its core, this documentary is a testament to the extraordinary power of medieval art to transform lives. Through Alex's eyes, we witness the profound impact that these sculptures have had on his own life, inspiring him to embark on a journey of discovery and creativity.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 226 x 154 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781908213693