By Bernie Bell

Through this year’s final dig at The Ness of Brodgar, one of the Artists in Residence –  Jeanne Bouza-Rose –  has been doing sketches of the people as well as the structures.  These quick impressions appealed to me as they ‘catch’ the people, and the moment.

With Jeanne’s permission, I’ve copied a couple of them from her Newsletter

“Rachel Looks so Tall

Over in Trench J at the Ness, there was a furious amount of final sampling, digging and recording.  They knew that their work was going to be covered first.  Remember, days after the site closed to the public, the diggers were on site and starting to shift the spoil heaps back into the trenches. https://www.nessofbrodgar.co.u… 

Alice Just Looks

Alice was the Supervisor for what once was Structure 8 but as the digging continued, reflected more structures.  At the far end, a huge drain was discovered.  Numerous interesting finds came from this area and Ceriwiden, seemed to find most of them! By the final days, I believe there was talk that the huge drain might be an entrance to another older structure.  Well, if you want to know more, follow the Ness at https://www.nessofbrodgar.co.u.. “

While I’m on the subject to Jeanne’s paintings – she’s produced a calendar of Orkney Standing Stones – Christmas pressies ?

My 2025 calendar

To purchase  online!

The Ness Sleeps

 
The Ness sleeps

Under earth

Under sky

Between Lochs.

 
Grass will come

Flowers will come

To form a blanket

Keeping it safe.

 
Knowing folk will come

To break its slumber

What might they

Uncover?

 
Bernie Bell Sept. ‘24