We catch up with creative genius Sean Dowker who has turned his skills as a traditional roofer into an art form with spectacular results.

For a man who has spent his entire life climbing up ladders as a traditional slate roofer, Sean Dowker is now reaching new heights of excellence with a thriving business venture as a sculptor.

And his stunning creations, made from slate are raising the roof in the art world with demand for his work now sky high.

For over 30 years Sean has established himself as one of the region’s top specialist roofers but a serious illness five years ago left him re-evaluating his life and work choices.

And as he recuperated at his home in Ilkley, Sean decided to play about with a stack of slates that lay in his garden.

A few hours later and he’d created a beautiful King chess piece. A few days later and he’s completed the full chess set to the amazement of his friends and family.

It was the start of a journey that unlocked Sean’s creative genius and which has since seen his work snapped up by top hotels; feature on TV and attract national and international recognition.

Born out of years spent honing his skills in the traditional craft of roofing and using the same centuries old techniques with a slate knife, Sean’s creative genius and eye for detail has brought a unique perspective to garden sculptures and water features.

Sean said “With a lifelong dedication to the craft of slate roofing and a deep appreciation for the materials I have worked with throughout my career, I’m now able to use that experience creatively, doing something I love and hopefully bringing pleasure to other people.”

Drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of his working environment in the Yorkshire Dales and the rich heritage of his craft, Sean’s sculptures – many of which are made from reclaimed slates – present a blend of incredible artistry and craftsmanship.

Ranging from orbs to hearts, chess pieces to spherical water features and animals to faces, each creation is meticulously crafted, reflecting Sean’s deep respect for the inherent qualities of slate and stone which are sourced from around the world.

From striking garden sculptures that evoke a sense of tranquillity to captivating water features that dance with the play of light and shadow, his stunning work invites viewers to immerse themselves in the beauty of natural materials and timeless forms.

Two years ago one of his pieces – a five-foot-high Chess Queen was installed at Grantley Hall hotel where it proudly sits in the grounds and last year Sean appeared on TV show Yorkshire Auction House where his creations were showcased to the world.

Such has been his rise in popularity, he was also shortlisted in 2023 as one of the finalists for the Ilkley Fountain competition. Sean created an impressive slate orb which was based on Rombald – the mythical giant who according to folklore, roamed around
Ilkley Moor.

It is all a dream come true for 50-year-old Sean who admits he is finally doing something that brings him so much pleasure.

He said: “I think any illness makes you re-evaluate your life, and my experience and knowledge of slate, coupled with my passion for art, made me think there was more to life than climbing up ladders for the rest of it.

“I love the creative freedom it offers me and am constantly developing my craft and exploring what I can create with slate.”

Sean is available for commissions and can travel anywhere, home or abroad to install a sculpture in its chosen location.

He added: “Bringing somebody’s idea to life through slate, installing it in its new home and seeing the impact it has on a space or a garden is the most satisfying aspect of my work and I’m forever grateful that my art can bring so much joy to people’s lives.”

If you’re interested in commissioning a sculpture, want to discuss possibilities or are looking for prices, please get in touch by emailing  sean@seandowker.co.uk or call him on  07527 151983. To see more of his work please visit seandowker.co.uk