foreground.org.uk: website for artist Richard Tomlinson


2011 projects


New Artwork for South Petherton Hospital

There were three distinct processes involved in making this artwork.

Firstly, the lead artist consulted with local archivist Helen Beaufoy. Helen was able to share, with the artist, her fascinating collection of: photographs, postcards, documents and maps relating to life in South Petherton. The artist selected photographs, some dating back to the 1880s, that reflect a range of themes such as: rural living, school life, farming, social gatherings and day trips. The artist also selected postcards that provide an insight into the thoughts of generations of South Petherton people.

Secondly, the artist showed copies of this selection of images to young people attending South Petherton Youth Group. They commented on how formal the characters in the pictures appeared and were intrigued by the fashions of the day. This period of consultation was followed by an opportunity for the group to make their own, modern day, photographs of each other and of their locality. The young people also used the opportunity to make beautiful photographs of Autumn leaves.
Finally, using an Ordinance Survey map of South Petherton as a template, the artist created a montage that combines the various elements of the project.


 

© 2012 foreground/Richard Tomlinson

Richard Tomlinson is Associate Artist with Take Art Ltd, a Somerset based Arts Development Agency