Obelisk

[David Paterson]

Three views of a real-life obelisk (at Stenness, Orkney). Known as the Watch Stone and 3.6m tall, it is close to the circle of standing stones at Stenness.

Was this, or another very similar neolithic standing-stone, the inspiration for Arthur C. Clarke and Stanley Kubrick's famously mysterious obelisk?

[Akira]

Yes, the "Monolith" was the first thing your images remind me of.  The halo in the first and the third images is really effective, which I love.

[Mongo]

Mongo agrees with Akira"s comments. Mongo's pick is #1  for overall effect and depiction. #3 has an interestingly ominous feel due to only slight variations to #1.

It's good to see that Kubrick returned it when he finished with it.

[armando_m]

intriguing series

#3 for me

[pluton]

I like, and approve of, the monolith and the photos you have made of it. 

[Erik Lund]

Very nice light!

[Anthony]

I really want to see this in person.

[David Paterson]

Thank you all for commenting.

Akira - I meant "monolith" of course but somehow my poor brain has got stuck on "obelisk".   

It's good to see that Kubrick returned it when he finished with it.

Yes, and since it weighs around 5 tons it must have cost a bit if he sent it by airmail.   

Erik - the quality of the light in Orkney is very often exceptional.

Antony - there's only one way . . .

[David H. Hartman]

It's hard to choose but I'll pick No.2.

Dave

[Akira]

Akira - I meant "monolith" of course but somehow my poor brain has got stuck on "obelisk".   

Dave, I didn't mean to use the quotation marks to be pushy.  Sorry.  I just remembered the that you mentioned you had worked at the company that made that very monolith for Stanley Kubrick. 

[David Paterson]

Dave, I didn't mean to use the quotation marks to be pushy.  Sorry.  I just remembered the that you mentioned you had worked at the company that made that very monolith for Stanley Kubrick. 

Akira - don't worry - I didn't take it as pushy in any way. I was just glad that you reminded me of the correct term.