Paper installation celebrating the contribution of women in Cumbria who have often remained hidden, over-looked or unrecorded. 

Unearthed is a large-scale paper wildflower installation by Kendal-based visual artist Amy Williams. The community garden element has been produced with local community groups over a six-month period. The installation unearths hidden or lesser-known stories of extraordinary women from Cumbrian history, who through their skill, dedication and compassion brought about positive social change.  

Bold and theatrical, the installation takes visual reference from the flora and fauna found within Blackwell’s historic Arts & Crafts interiors, creating a larger than life indoor botanic garden. Intricate wildflower sculptures pay homage to each of the women, including the activist Winifred Langton, who tirelessly campaigned for social justice, and Arts & Crafts designer Annie Garnett, whose Windermere based weaving workshop, The Spinnery,  created well paid jobs for the region’s working class. 

The installation seeks to celebrate the significant contribution of women throughout Cumbria’s history who have often remained hidden, over-looked or unrecorded.  

Unearthed is a large-scale paper installation by Kendal-based visual artist Amy Williams. The community garden element has been produced with local community groups over a six-month period, the installation unearths hidden or lesser-known stories of extraordinary women from Cumbrian history, who through their skill, dedication and compassion brought about positive social change.  

Bold and theatrical, the installation takes visual reference from the flora and fauna found within Blackwell’s historic Arts & Crafts interiors, creating a larger than life indoor botanic garden. Intricate wildflower sculptures pay homage to each of the women, including the activist Winifred Langton, who tirelessly campaigned for social justice, and Arts & Crafts designer Annie Garnett, whose Windermere based weaving workshop, The Spinnery,  created well paid jobs for the region’s working class. 

The installation seeks to celebrate the significant contribution of women throughout Cumbria’s history who have often remained hidden, over-looked or unrecorded.  

About Amy Williams

Amy Williams is a visual artist based in Kendal, Cumbria. Using the medium of paper, she works with local communities and organisations to create work that brings regional stories to life and communities together. Often working on large scale, socially engaged art projects or installations, Williams aims to engage a wide audience; creating work that is both accessible and inspiring. Her installations often include participatory elements, enabling audiences to add or respond to the work.

Williams has a BA Hons Fine Art/Sculpture and an MA in Illustration. Over the last 16 years, she has been developing her skills in paper, creating both 2D and 3D work. She has produced commissions for the National Trust, Lowther Castle and the Rheged Gallery.

As a freelance community arts facilitator, she has experience working with people from a diverse range of backgrounds with a particular interest in working with young people. She is passionate about inspiring creativity in others. amywilliamscreative.com

Related Workshops

1 – 3pm | 23 February, 4 March, 19 March and 15 April 2023

Suitable for ages 16+ years

Make a paper flower  with visual artist Amy Williams.

Booking required. Free with admission ticket or valid annual pass to Blackwell. Free for members

Book your place

Part of New Year New Make  

New Year New Make is part of Lakeland Arts’ commissioning strand supported by Arts Council England.  It brings craftspeople together with communities to create ambitious work that encourages dialogue and new ways of thinking. Previous New Year New Make commission: Maddy Humberstone’s Lost in Cumbria (12 March – 29 May 2022) 

Supporters

The project is kindly sponsored 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.