The Dripping Rock at Knaresborough, Yorkshire – Unknown artist (early 19th century)

Pencil with black and brown washes on white wove paper. This drawing is without a frame or mount and will be delivered in a conservation standard clear polyester sleeve.

Sheet: 8 7/8 x 11 5/8 in. (22.5 x 29.5 cm.)

Also known as the Petrifying Well: Due to its high mineral content, the water in the Petrifying Well has the power to turn objects into stone. The well has attracted a solid number of visitors for many years, all of them eager to see a bizarre process of everyday objects being turned to stone. For hundreds of years locals believed that the well – formerly the Dripping Rock – was cursed by the devil, many believed that if they touched the water they too would be turned to stone. The fact that the side of the well looked like a giant’s skull exacerbated their fears.