Cornish legends have been given a contemporary makeover in a series of new artistic mosaic benches placed around St Austell. 

These include legendary Cornish lovers Tristan and Iseult with a hint of Game of Thrones, and a Cornish mermaid who bears a striking resemblance to a legendary soul singer.  

Artist Susan Elliott worked with fabricator Che Paul to create beautiful benches in the shape of mica crystals, designed to resemble the strata and contours of St Austell clay pits.  

Made of hollow cast concrete, the benches are inlaid with unique mosaic art incorporating recycled ceramics, including local china clay.  They are designed to be comfortable, with rounded edges and even surfaces, as well as durable and low-maintenance – and, being made from a large percentage of recycled aggregates and waste materials, they are highly sustainable.  

The creative pair wanted to make places where young and old could come together and have something to talk about. All designs show aspects of coming home, welcome and love. 

Commissioned by the Austell Project with the help of local partners including St Austell Town Council and White River Place, the project is the latest addition to the Whitegold Art Trail, an artistic retelling of the China Clay history.