Blackwell Arts & Crafts house presents a new installation.
Unearthed is a vibrant installation of oversized paper wildflowers representing ten extraordinary women by Kendal-based visual artist Amy Williams.
Produced with local community groups over a six-month period, the installation unearths hidden or lesser-known stories of women from Cumbrian history, who brought about positive social change.
The installation takes inspiration from the flora and fauna found in Blackwell’s historic Arts & Crafts interiors, creating an indoor garden.
Wildflower sculptures pay homage to the women chosen by William, including the activist Winifred Langton (1909-2003) who tirelessly campaigned for social justice, Arts & Crafts designer Annie Garnett (1864-1942), whose Windermere-based weaving workshop, The Spinnery, sought to create well paid jobs for the region’s working class.
The installation explores the symbolism of flowers as an act of remembrance and as representations of femininity, resilience and resistance.
Amy Williams said: “It feels important to be able to shine a light on these extraordinary women and to commemorate their lives. I’m pleased we’ve been able to coordinate the exhibition to run across Women’s History Month, especially given this year’s theme of ‘Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.’ I love the setting of Blackwell and am looking forward to transforming the space into a delightful wonderland. I’m grateful to Naomi Gariff, the curator, for giving me so much creative freedom to fulfil this vision. It’s a special thing as an artist to be given this opportunity.”
As part of the installation, Willams has worked with community groups across South Lakeland to create a ‘community garden’ of smaller paper flowers.
Participants were encouraged to share stories and to create a flower sculpture that pays tribute to an extraordinary Cumbrian of their choice.
The chance to make your own in a series of workshops, will be held at Blackwell on 23 February, 4 March, 19 March and 15 April.
Sessions are free with entry, but booking is required.
The flowers created by participants will be added to a display which will grow through the course of the exhibition, which is open to the public from 27 January until 4 June 2023.
Naomi Gariff, Programme Curator at Lakeland Arts said: “We’re delighted to be kicking off our 2023 programme at Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house with an exhibition showcasing the work of local artist Amy Williams.
The project is kindly supported by James Cropper, who have been producing world-class paper from their mill in Kendal since 1845. It has also been generously supported by the Westmorland Arts Trust Fund via Cumbria Community Fund, whose support has enabled Williams to engage more deeply and widely with the community.
"The commission is part of Blackwell’s New Year New Make series, bringing craftspeople together with communities to create new work that encourages dialogue and new ways of thinking. Throughout the making process, Unearthed has encouraged community conversation around acts of collective remembrance, prompting discussions around whose stories are remembered, and whose are often forgotten.”
Julie Tomlinson, Marketing Communications Manager for James Cropper said: “We are delighted to support Blackwell and Amy Williams, as they bring the stories of ten remarkable Cumbrian women to life with care and creativity. In Amy’s hands, our collection of Vanguard papers are transformed from a humble sheet of paper into a visual oasis of sculptural design. An affirming celebration of societal change, art and craft.”
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