Clayground Collective’s Clay Chronicles is an eye-catching wall-based ceramic bookcase providing a vibrant new facade to enhance the previously neglected wall panel on Robert Street. With its colourful array of hand-made, glazed ceramic book spines, the artwork directly references the fondly remembered and much-missed library. Within its shelves the books celebrate and reflect the vibrancy and diversity of local shops, organisations, streets and people.
The artwork has also inspired a community book swap - a long-hoped-for community-sharing activity and now an idea in progress!
‘During the installation, we really valued the interactions from people walking past. They engaged so positively, and the best part of working directly on the street are these connections, and not making work in isolation. People returned to see the progress. Residents understood the meaning and symbolism immediately and connected to the narrative. It was great hearing teenagers say, “It’s really cool!” Many people stopped to share what the library meant to them – a place to meet, to take children, to be social, and to gain knowledge’ - Duncan Hooson & Claire West, Clayground Collective
All the photos on this page were taken by Alice Horsley and Nick Turpin. Thank you very much for your brilliant work.
