A new photography exhibition is showcasing the work of three emerging artists under 25 as they explore the contemporary meaning of ancient stone circles.
As part of English Heritage’s youth engagement programme Shout Out Loud, and in collaboration with national arts charity Photoworks, Echoes: Stone Circles, Community and Heritage offers young artists a platform to creatively reinterpret prehistoric places as they engage with their communities and consider their relevance to young people today. Drawing inspiration from stone circles around England, the artists use photography to challenge perceptions of heritage, foster belonging, and uncover untold stories.
Stonehenge is perhaps the most famous stone circle, making it a fitting site for this exhibition, however the British Isles are home to over 900, including 14 cared for by English Heritage. This exhibition focuses on three remarkable stone circle sites —Arbor Low, Nine Ladies, and Kingston Russell—chosen independently by the artists from over 250 free-to-enter sites managed by the charity that span thousands of years of history. The artists’ images of these ancient landscapes offer unique perspectives on heritage, identity, and community, reflecting a new generation's search for connection and belonging.
English Heritage’s prehistorian, Dr Jennifer Wexler, comments, “It’s so exciting to see how these talented young artists have brought these ancient sites to life in such personal and powerful ways. Through their work, they show us how stone circles still connect the past with the present, linking personal histories to community and memory to belonging. These sites, once places where people came together, continue to inspire us as symbols of connection, belonging, and meaning.”
Juliette Buss, Head of Learning and Engagement at Photoworks, adds: “We are delighted to partner with English Heritage to bring the work of these three young artists to such an iconic location where so many people will experience the view from their lens this year. The project offers a new way to look at prehistoric sites, through the medium of photography and how young people today view these landscapes.”
Featured Stone Circles and Artists
Yuxi Hou - Arbor Low, Derbyshire: Capturing Community Spirit
Yuxi Hou’s photographs capture the community spirit of Arbor Low in Derbyshire. For thousands of years, this ancient site has hosted rituals, celebrations, and moments of connection. Hou sensitively portrays the enduring bonds between the stones and those who find solace, celebration, and belonging there today.
Sally Barton - Nine Ladies, Derbyshire: The Stones are ours
Sally Barton’s work draws inspiration from the stone circle’s legend of nine women turned to stone for dancing on the Sabbath, delving into themes of ritual, femininity, and resistance. Her photographs celebrate the enchantment of these landscapes, while also confronting the cultural and class barriers that can limit some children’s access to such sites. By collaborating with local schools, Barton empowered students to design their own imaginative stone circles, inviting them to engage with and reinterpret this rich cultural heritage.
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