About This Event

Discover the remarkable story of Devon ‘marble’ – the beautiful and colourful limestone that became one of the most sought-after decorative stones of the Victorian era. Quarried across South Devon and worked in factories around Babbacombe, Devon marble found its way into some of Britain’s most impressive buildings, including the Natural History Museums in London and Oxford, the Foreign Office and our own Northampton Guildhall. In this fascinating illustrated talk, Bob Purser will uncover the geology behind these distinctive stones and introduce the people who created a thriving Devon marble industry. We’ll discover how the stone was quarried, cut and polished, explore the factories where it was transformed, and see some of the wonderful decorative objects and architectural features produced from it. A fascinating mix of geology, local history, Victorian industry, architecture and craftsmanship – and you may never look at a piece of polished stone in quite the same way again. Visitors and non-members are very welcome.

Staying overnight?

Hotels within walking distance of Humfrey Rooms.

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