Mike Adcock's book Music Stones – The rediscovery of ringing rock tells the story of how the wide use of resonant stone, sometimes tuned to play different notes and dating back to prehistoric times, has undergone something of a revival over the last two centuries. This began in Cumbria, when extraordinary museum curator and inventor, Peter Crosthwaite,  assembled what he called his Music Stones from pieces of rock he collected locally in 1785. Later, a succession of other Keswick families built their own much larger stone instruments and achieved considerable success as a result. Music Stones details how they did this and goes on to describe how others since, in different parts of the world, have discovered for themselves the surprising musical potential of stone. The list of those who, over the years, have declared an interest in this includes Thomas Edison, John Ruskin, Queen Victoria, sculptor Barbara Hepworth, composer Pauline Oliveros, the band Sigur Rós and percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie, who has written the foreword for Mike's book.

At this book launch in the Walled Garden Pavilion, Mike Adcock will talk about his book, illustrating it with photographs and video clips, and there will also be a live performance on musical stones from members of the Cheltenham Improvisers Orchestra.

Mike Adcock, who lives in Stroud, spent ten years as an art college lecturer before deciding to pursue a career in music: playing, composing, teaching and writing on the subject. He has released many recordings, both solo and in collaboration with other musicians, particularly in the field of free improvisation. Mike has had articles and papers published on different aspects of music and music education and currently writes reviews for the online magazine Roots World. He sometimes makes his own stone instruments, using broken roof slates.

Free entry, books for sale, all welcome to come along between 2pm - 4pm.

For directions or if you require accessible parking, please call the Museum team on 01453 763394.