A natural living room of memories for The Dell
From Saturday 23 April
The Dell Forest Garden, Southern Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon
A secret garden on the banks of the Avon has been transformed into a magical outdoor lounge, alive with the memories of residents of Stratford-upon-Avon. Artist Faye Claridge has worked with volunteers from Forest of Heart’s Green Therapy group to collect memories and co-create an atmosphere of wonder for The Dell.
The project is inspired by how the area’s many memorials sit within nature, echoing the unusual line from Shakespeare’s King John, Now my soul hath elbow-room, Act V, Scene VII.
Participants have co-created a spectacular living room where plants and flowers overwhelm furniture, layering over fabrics and scents that evoke memories, while lampshades and family portraits flutter in the trees overhead.
The artwork is part of a wider project called The Dell Forest Garden, which is in partnership with Forest of Hearts.
Read the book created by Faye Claridge that charts the journey of the participants, building confidence to encourage creativity.