Rock Idols: a new vision of Dartmoor’s tors
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Rock Idols: a new vision of Dartmoor’s tors

An illustrated talk by Alex Murdin & Sophie Pierce.

By Plymouth Athenaeum

Date and time

Thu, 1 May 2025 19:30 - 20:30 GMT+1

Location

Plymouth Athenaeum

Derrys Cross Plymouth PL1 2SW United Kingdom

About this event

  • Event lasts 1 hour

Join us for our Anniversary Lecture as Alex Murdin and Sophie Pierce provide a new vision of Dartmoor's tors in this illustrated talk.

From devils and druids to timeless tors, join artist Alex Murdin and writer Sophie Pierce as they explore Dartmoor in words and pictures. Their new book, Rock Idols: a guide to Dartmoor in 28 tors, is thought to be the first illustrated guide to Dartmoor in many years, with new, original drawings of these mysterious monoliths, which Victorian writers described as ‘rock idols’ because they believed they were worshipped by the Druids.

Sophie and Alex will explore why these ancient stones continue to fascinate us, and will show a series of stunning new drawings of the tors, as well as intriguing Victorian etchings of some of Dartmoor's most famous features including Scorhill Stone Circle and the Dewerstone. They will share their adventures exploring the tors, and delve into some of the fascinating folklore, geology and history of Dartmoor.

Alex Murdin is an artist who has lived on Dartmoor for over 25 years. Inspired by the moor’s granite landscape, he writes and draws to reconnect human and non-human worlds.

Sophie Pierce is a writer and photographer drawn to the wild landscapes and ancient history of Dartmoor. She is fascinated by its emotional power and passionate about sharing its stories.

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Plymouth Athenaeum

The Plymouth Athenaeum, located in Plymouth, England, is a charitable society dedicated to the promotion of learning in the fields of science, technology, literature and art.

The Athenaeum building, located at Derry's Cross in Plymouth City Centre, includes a 340-seat auditorium, lecture room, lounge, meeting rooms and a local interest library.

Founded on 17 October 1812 as the Plymouth Institute, it was soon renamed the Plymouth Institution. The first meetings took place in Catherine Street and later Frankfort Street Art Gallery.

Architect and founding member of the Institution John Foulston (1772 – 30 December 1841), who had won a competition to design the Royal Hotel and Theatre group of buildings, designed the building that would become the permanent home of the organisation. The foundation stone of 'The Athenaeum', which had a Greek Doric-style facade, was laid on 1 May 1818.

The Devon and Cornwall Natural History Society, formed in 1838, amalgamated with the Plymouth Institution in 1851. The Mechanics' Institute in Princes Street closed in 1899 and a merger with the Plymouth Institution took place.

Foulston's original 'Athenaeum' was destroyed during the Blitz in 1941, resulting in the loss of the Insititution's library, art and museum collections.

The Institution was renamed The Plymouth Athenaeum when it moved into its present building on 1 June 1961, which is located on almost the exact location of its pre-Blitz home.