This hogback tombstone memorialises Richard S. Ferguson; according to the OED, the first published user of the word ‘hogback’ as a term for this style of early medieval stone sculpture. He was an important figure in the recognition of the Scandinavian influence in the history of Cumbria. The piece was designed by his friend W.G. Collingwood; artist, author, and archaeologist. The shape and decoration was inspired by elements from several Cumbrian hogbacks and was sculpted by H. T. Miles of Ulverston. The stone is next to the Church of St Michael, Stanwix, Carlisle. For more on Collingwood, Ferguson and this hogback, see p 152 of Matthew Townend’s excellent ‘The Vikings and Victorian Lakeland’. See also Jane Hawkes’ article on Collingwood at https://www.19thc-artworldwide.org/index.php/summer15/hawkes-on-collingwood-artist-art-historian-critic-archaeologist-and-anglo-saxonist Searching Sketchfab for ‘hogback’ will return a growing number of images of the original Viking Age pieces.
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