Obelisk

Rooted in antiquity, the obelisk’s clean and crisp architectural lines make it an instantly recognisable and powerful focal point. The obelisk is specifically positioned so that the length of the shadow at noon can be calculated and shown with markers set into the ground. These markers indicate the spring and autumn equinoxes, winter and summer solstices, and can also highlight birthdays or other significant dates.

Variations & finishes

1. Stainless Steel

Mirror polished stainless steel.

2. Copper

Matures well and darkens over time.

3. Stainless Steel and Slate

Mirror polished stainless steel and Welsh slate.

Our Obelisk sundial is available in three sizes.

Available standard size

Obelisk is available in 150cm, 200cm, and 300cm in height. Larger sizes are available upon request.

Available finishes

Copper, Stainless Steel, Stainless Steel & Welsh Slate.

Model Scale

150cm, 200cm, and 300cm
(Model scale: 180cm)

Design details

As a vertical gnomon, it is rudimentary in its time-telling but sublimely elegant as a calendar, and its historic origins speak to the sacred notion of trigonometry.

Astronomer-mathematicians in Ancient Egypt used the Obelisk’s daily sweep of shadow to inform us of seasonal progression, with the shadow expanding on the winter solstice and retracting on the summer solstice.

The Obelisk sculpture's noon shadow measures the progression of the seasons from the spring equinox to the winter solstice. A birth date or anniversary can equally be marked with a stainless steel marker at Noon.

Before becoming garden structures or plant support frames, Obelisks were historically used to demarcate importance areas, such as the entrance to tombs or temples.

The Obelisk can be engraved with a family crest, motto or design of your choosing.

Product information

A suitable concrete pad foundation of at least 20cm greater than the base of the Obelisk chosen at a depth of at least 40cm will need to be provided by the client in the location where the Obelisk is to be placed. A base fixing plate is then resin bolted to this concrete pad, with the Obelisk then fixed to this base plate. Installation and delivery are included in the price for UK commissions. For overseas shipping, quotes can be obtained and charged at cost.

The finishes used on the Obelisk will exhibit some natural weathering with age, however, periodic cleaning will help preserve its beauty. We would recommend that it be cleaned at least once a year with only warm water and a soft cloth to remove any detritus. Use of any abrasive cleaner will damage the finish and must be avoided. Maintenance instructions will be issued on installation.

As with any quality product, some cleaning is required to keep your Obelisk looking its best. We recommend using warm water and a soft cloth to remove any detritus from the surface. Avoid abrasive materials or chemical products as these will damage the stainless steel.

We use only high-quality stainless steel, and this heavy duty material is incredibly durable and brilliant at withstanding weathering. A stainless steel garden Obelisk also has a stunning reflective quality. Within the steel panels, the landscaping of the garden can be reflected and distorted in playful ways.

Obelisks in a garden setting are usually horticultural structures used as climbing plant supports for clematis and roses. But a David Harber Obelisk doesn’t work as a plant trellis, its a striking, sculptural sundial. Historically, Obelisk sundials have been used to indicate seasonal moments throughout the year or to signify areas of importance such as entryways to tombs or temples.