The Needles by resuimages

About "The Needles"

by resuimages

About the artwork

The Needles are a group of chalk rock islands that lie a few metres off the western tip of Needles Point on the Isle of Wight off the south coast of England. The rocks form the north-western boundary of Scratchell's Bay on the westernmost section of the south coast of the Isle of Wight. The rocks are between 58 and 104 metres long and between 10 and 17 metres wide. They are arranged along an imaginary 350 metre long line stretching in a west-south-westerly direction. At the western end is the Needles Lighthouse, which had a permanent, monthly changing crew of three until December 1994 and has since been automated. Isaac Taylor's 1759 depiction of the group of rocks shows four needle-shaped rocks between the eastern and the central rock, which towered above the others and which fell over in a storm in 1764. The Needles were named after this rock needle, although the other rocks are not needle-shaped at all. The Needles are the most recognisable landmark on the Isle of Wight. They are an impressive sight, especially in fine weather, when the white of the chalk cliffs, the orange-red of the sandstone cliffs and the blue of the sea interact in colour. Alum Bay is located in the north of the Isle of Wight and is known for its colourful sandstone cliffs. It is also home to a small amusement park, The Needles Landmark Attraction, which offers views of The Needles. This is particularly popular with families. You will definitely need a car when travelling to the Isle of Wight. There are several ways to visit the three chalk cliffs on site.