Between 2019 – 2023 I was artist-in-residence at Mrs Smith’s Cottage Museum in Navenby, Lincolnshire. During this time I created site-inspired work for the Cottage and gardens, developed a heritage trail for Navenby and associated site-specific art installations for the village. Many local people were also involved, either contributing to collaborative artworks, research, or making their own work as part of the project.
With grateful thanks to North Kesteven District Council, the National Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England, who made these opportunities possible.
Navenby Datestones
A number of traditional carved brick datestones can be found on walls and buildings in Navenby village.
I responded by creating 15 new ceramic Navenby Datestones (150x150mm) which were installed in pavements.
They act as markers along the heritage trail, reminders of the village’s long and varied history.
The Friendship Chair
The inspirational owner of Mrs Smith’s Cottage – Hilda Smith – had kept a daily diary for much of her 102 years. The importance of community was evident, and this patchwork chair cover, created with the help of many local hands, celebrates some of the people with whom she shared her life in Navenby.
Garden Pavers
Hilda Smith recorded her annual planting and harvesting schedule, both in her cottage garden and a nearby allotment.
Extracts from her diaries are now immortalised on terracotta pavers in the garden path.
Navenby Map Rug
Other works
The Embroidered Cushion, Community Rug and Button Label are some of the site-inspired artworks created in collaboration with Grevatte & Co, who provided a new interpretation scheme for the Cottage.
