From Monday 24 June to Friday 28 June, professional participatory artists, Spiral Arts who are based on Derby Arboretum, will produce 5 well dressings for exhibition in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter. The well dressings will be created with schools and at drop-in sessions at the Derby Cathedral and QUAD.
This year’s theme is ‘Cherishing the Planet’ and will depict images of recycling, water pollution, and environmental issues.
The well dressings will go on display on Saturday 29 June until 7 July around the city’s Cathedral Quarter – QUAD, Deda, Derby Local Studies Library/Derby Sales and Information Centre, Derby Cathedral and The Sanctuary Café at Derby Cathedral.
This intricate art is unique to Derbyshire. Traditionally well dressing frames are soaked in the local river before being packed with clay. A design is marked out onto the clay and then each section is carefully covered with individual flower petals, leaves, seeds, coffee beans, feathers and stones to complete the design.
Maureen Elliott, Visual Arts Director at Spiral Arts said:
‘This year we have received funding from Derby City Council which gives us a great opportunity to work with local people and schools in Derby. It is great to celebrate the traditions of well dressing and to be supported and work in partnership with Derby’s cultural organisations, we are looking forward to seeing the trail exhibited around the 5 venues.’
