Stone sculpture shaped by the wildlife and landscape of North Yorkshire

About the Sculptor

Jennifer Tetlow

I’m a sculptor in stone, direct carving in a traditional hammer and chisel way, the birds and animals that I see in the upland North Yorkshire landscape surrounding my workshop.

If you’re like me, the natural world and wildlife fill you with wonder. My sculpture is about this feeling. And stone, of course.

My sculpture is made for the garden, as tactile, quietly expressive feature, or as smaller scale one-of-a-kind artworks for the home.

From quarry through my hands to your careful keeping.

An elderly woman standing outdoors near a large cracked wall, wearing a brown sweater and overalls, with her hands in her pockets, smiling at the camera.

A bird-shaped sculpture made of reddish stone, mounted on a wooden pedestal, surrounded by tall, golden wild grasses.

Close-up of an elderly person's hands holding dried plants with small flowers in a field.

A woman walking in a rocky, desert landscape, holding a large rock in her hands, with a steep rocky cliff in the background.

a story of stone

I began carving stone after a chance encounter with masons dressing wall-stones and was taken by the sound and rhythm of hammer on chisel. The quarrymen worked with such mesmerising, neat-handed skill.

On the strength of this meeting, I purchased my first stone working tools, and my love affair with stone began.

These many years later, quarry visits are still exciting — selecting blocks for sculpting, and bringing them back to the workshop for carving.

Sketch of a small pile of rocks and a large upright rock.

the Stone, Material and Process

I work primarily in sandstone, but also carve smooth and polishable limestones, marble, and irresistibly tactile soapstones.

Using a traditional hammer and chisel method, I hand carve my chosen stone to reveal gentle, reposeful animal sculpture and garden pieces, as well as creating bespoke pieces by commission.

Workshop

A sculpture studio based in Lastingham, tucked into the upland slopes at the southern edge of the North York Moors National Park.

The old agricultural buildings have been adapted for use as my workshop, and are surrounded by farmland, meadows and moorland. This habitat is a rich haven for wildlife, which in turn inspires much of my sculpture.

From my workshop I catch glimpses of hedgerow birds, flitting, alarm calling or in courtship display. I watch, transfixed by stoat kits in tumble and play, or a hedgehog noisily forage.

Through the steady rhythms of hammer on chisel, the raw stone block takes shape. Surfaces are important. Animal essences emerge with quiet eyes and gentle natures.

A woman standing in a wooden barn doorway, holding a cardboard box, with sunlit interior and wooden walls.

A white ceramic or stone dove sculpture placed on a wooden pedestal outdoors with dried brown plants in the background.

artistry

A love of wildlife and the natural world is at the heart of my work, in which I capture creature essence in simple shape and form.

Expect smooth, gentle curves — tactile pieces, unruffled, quietly content and calmly expressive.

This solid, restful disposition in my sculpture speaks of the serenity and harmony I find in nature.

Down to earth. Tranquil.

I think of my pieces as individuals — distinctive companions, friends of simple and graceful shape. You can browse and purchase my latest pieces here.

If you feel drawn to my work, I would be delighted to hear from you.

There is no obligation—simply a chance to explore ideas and see what might emerge.

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