Kelmscott Manor
Maker in Residence 2024
In the Spring 2024 I started a 6 month residency at Kelmscott Manor. Kelmscott Manor was the country residence of the English textile designer, poet, artist, writer, and socialist activist, William Morris.
2024 saw the second of three residencies at Kelmscott Manor by members of Heritage Crafts, with a particular focus on an ‘endangered’ craft featured in the 2023 edition of the Red List of Endangered Crafts. During this residency I focused on the endangered craft of Illumination which i have been practicing since 2020.Illumination is the Art of applying gold to paper or vellum, the resulting artworks are traditionally bound within manuscripts. The application of gold can take many forms such as applying gold leaf to raised gesso, creating the effect of liquid gold or using ‘shell gold’ which is paint made from ground leaves of gold, traditionally kept within shells. William Morris taught himself book arts and often illuminated his own works.
The works made during this time were inspired by Kelmscott manor and the beautiful surrounding grounds as well as the legacy of William Morris who belived in Art & education for all. Outreach was a big part of this residency and i was able to share this endangered craft with multiple people during workshops and demonstrations at the manor.
As part of the residency i created an installation of works titled ‘Gold in The Undergrowth’. The works in this display are inspired by encounters with Kelmscott Manor and the ever changing landscape. The title Gold in the Undergrowth speaks to the quiet moments and the hidden details that are ever present within nature. My first encounter with the resident grass snakes was particularly poignant. It Brought home the diversity of the landscape but also the space, time and the knowledge of others needed to witness these treasured moments. With the illuminations on display I wanted to explore new ways of engaging audiences by creating interactive elements, such as the sliding frame, revealing the image behind, and the magnifying glass for up close viewing.
This residency has been an amazing opportunity to grow as an illuminator and to embrace the legacy of William Morris who believed in the enduring relevance of craft.
Taste the Air
2024
18ct Gold on Gesso, 23ct, 24ct & 18ct shell gold, Gouache paint, Walnut ink and carbon black ink on tea stained paper. Carved fame made of Walnut, pear wood and oak.
With accompanying magnifying glass made of carved Pearwood.