The Fossil Wall
The fossil wall at the right of the present entrance to Sainbury's store will be relocated to a site at the North end of the store. 9th April 2010
The wall has been carefully removed stone by stone and is in safe keeping to be installed at the North end of the new extension
The Botanical Gardens Edinburgh and Ian Rolfe, Keeper of Geology in the National Museums of Scotland advised Sainsbury's, when they developed the site, about a permanent reminder of the tree fossils discovered in the quarry and advised the artist, Reinhard Behrens who was guided towards producing the Fossil wall next to the entrance to the superstore.
Ironically, Stainton Sandstone from County Durham was used for this facade.
A plaque, on the wall, tells the brief story of why the Dawn Redwoods were planted outside the main entrance as follows:-
'The Fossil Wall relief is based both on the form of the fossil tree ferns that were found in the quarry in the early 19th century and the Dawn Redwood their closest living relative as planted along the front of the store.' - REINHARD BEHRENS 1993
Reinhard came to Scotland in 1979 and was exhibited widely culminating in many awards. He was particularly honoured when elected President of the Society of Scottish Artists during its centenary year.
Part of the "fossil wall" which was situated to the right of Sainsbury's main entrance depicting fossilised tree remains
that were discovered in the Quarry