STONE balancer Adrian Gray is returning to the Chelsea Flower Show this year in a move to remind us of the 'power and importance of balance' after the pandemic.

Mr Gray, described as the international pioneer of stone balancing art and the 'stone whisperer', will be at the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society event later this month with a stand featuring two colossal balanced pieces, ‘Strength and Grace’ and ‘WOW'.

Both sculptures are 4 metres high and feature the balance of a 6 tonne piece of 290-million-year-old Cornish granite rock. The precarious and breathtaking position of these elemental boulders, balanced as if by a thread, present the 'startling juxtaposition of fragility and solidity, and the incredible ability of balance to bring them together' it is said.

The trade stand will also feature examples of Mr Gray’s smaller garden and indoor stone sculptures, and visitors will be able to watch live stone balancing demonstrations.

The stand has been designed by SGD Garden designer Dana Assinder, with help from garden designer Lizzie Westrop.

Mr Gray, who is based near Axminster, says he has felt an increased interest in his unique stone balancing art as a result of Covid as people spend more time in their gardens. But he also believes that his pieces’ unique effect on the viewer has influenced the renewed demand.

He said: “There is something other wordly about the seemingly impossible balance my pieces demonstrate. This has a perspective-inducing quality which has given people a sense of peace during what has been a very difficult time. As we come out of the pandemic, and normal life resumes, the idea of balance is more important than ever. And my pieces have a powerful message to tell in this regard.”

Mr Gray has spent the last 22 years of his life exploring the fine art of balance in any and all types of rock. His work has evolved to include new ideas and themes, but the predominant feature remains the beauty and seemingly impossible nature of balance. Using carefully selected weathered stones he creates balanced sculptures that range in size from desktop balances to monumental 6m installations which have been sited in public and private spaces across the world.