Lunar Society Moonstones facts for kids
The Moonstones are nine special carved stones made from sandstone. They were created to remember important people who were part of a group called the Lunar Society. These stones were made in 1998 and first shown in March 1999. You can see them today at the Asda supermarket in Queslett, Great Barr, Birmingham, England. They are easy to spot from the road if you're driving from Aldridge Road towards Queslett Road.
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What Are the Moonstones?
The Moonstones are like outdoor sculptures. Each stone shows one of the nine members of the Lunar Society and something important they did. The Lunar Society was a group of smart friends who met in the 1700s to talk about science, inventions, and new ideas. They often met when there was a full moon, so they could travel home safely in the dark.
The stones are placed in a circle, starting from Aldridge Road and going around to Queslett Road.
Who Do the Moonstones Remember?
Each stone celebrates a different person from the Lunar Society:
- Josiah Wedgwood: This stone shows his face and a design from his famous jasperware pottery.
- Erasmus Darwin: You'll see his portrait and a drawing of a special windmill he designed.
- Samuel Galton: His stone features a colour wheel, which he studied.
- William Murdock: This stone shows a steam-powered road locomotive he invented.
- Matthew Boulton: His stone has a medal with his portrait on it. He was a famous manufacturer.
- James Watt: This stone shows his face and a steam engine, which he greatly improved.
- Joseph Priestley: You'll see laboratory equipment, representing his work as a chemist.
- James Keir: His stone features crystals, showing his interest in chemistry and geology.
- William Withering: This stone has a foxglove plant on it, along with words from his book about its medical uses.
The Moon Phases
Each of the nine stones also has a different phase of the moon carved onto it. The stone for James Watt shows a full moon. This is a nod to the Lunar Society's name and how they met during full moons.
Who Made the Moonstones?
The designs for the Moonstones were created by an artist named Steve Field. Two skilled stonemasons, Malcolm Sier and Michael Scheurmann, carved the designs into the sandstone. On the back of the James Watt stone, there's a special carving that credits the artists and the people who helped pay for the project.
Nearby History
Close to where the Moonstones are located is Great Barr Hall. This historic building was once the home of Samuel Galton, one of the Lunar Society members. It was also a place where the Lunar Society often held their meetings.
Images for kids
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Moonstones around edge of car park
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Wedgwood
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Darwin
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Galton
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Murdock
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Boulton
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Watt
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Priestley
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Keir
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Withering
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credits
