Wyre Council has commissioned two researchers to spend six months bringing The Mount’s heritage to life through anthropology and art.
Henry Iddon has worked in professional photography and lens based arts practice for 25 years and is the new Artist in Residence and Dr Jessica Symons, Anthropologist and Founder Director of Visioning Lab, a creative digital studio based in Manchester is the new Scientist in Residence.
During their residency, both Henry and Jessica will be offering an exciting programme of interactive events and activities across the Lodge, the Pavilion and the grounds for locals of all ages to enjoy as well as working on community outreach with schools and contributions to Fleetwood Library, Healthier Fleetwood and Fleetwood Museum programmes.
Henry has worked both commercially for clients ranging from BBC World News, Manchester United and various UK Government Departments as well as on his own self-motivated arts practice and Jessica has a wealth of experience in public engagement, sustainability, culture and emerging technologies.
She wonders, “200 years ago, Fleetwood was sand-dunes and rabbit warrens. Now there is this amazing Victorian architecture, a rich fishing heritage and stories about local lives. Meanwhile, the birds keep coming, the wind keeps blowing and shells keep washing up on the beach. I want to spend my time at Fleetwood mapping it all to find out - How did it all get here?"
The activities commence next week with a launch event and several interactive sessions planned for people to ‘drop-in’ and attend.
The first activity will be delivered by new Artist in Residence Henry, on Tuesday 31 August. ‘How Photography and Cameras Work’ is a free, fun, interactive session for 7 to 10 year olds where they will learn how cameras work and have a go developing their own photography skills with the beautiful Mount Pavilion and Gardens as their subject!
The session begins at 11am until 2pm at The Mount Lodge, with all equipment provided and parents/carers are welcome to stay with children during the session. Find out more here.
During the last week of the summer holidays, 30th August until 3rd September, new Scientist in Residence Jessica will be walking along the shore, finding materials and taking them back to the Lodge to investigate their origins. Residents of all ages are welcome to visit and work alongside her, researching and discovering what the sea and weather has to offer in Fleetwood.
Locals are invited to the Art and Science project launch event on Thursday 2 September at The Mount Pavilion from 6pm until 8pm where the Artist in Residence and Scientist in Residence will both give engaging talks, demo their existing work and discuss the exciting plans in place for the next six months.
The Mount Lodge will also be open on Wednesday 1 September from 4pm until 6pm where people have an early opportunity to meet Henry and Jessica and learn about their work and the upcoming Science and Discovery Club programme of activities.
Councillor Lynne Bowen portfolio holder for Leisure, Health and Community Engagement at Wyre Council says, “It is great to commence with the Science and Discovery Club activities and provide opportunities for locals to engage with science and the arts whilst discovering more about the heritage and history of The Mount.
“We are delighted to welcome both Henry and Jessica to their residencies and are certain that with their incredible talent, history of success and wealth of experience, they will deliver some terrific activities for people to enjoy as well as valuable learning opportunities too.
“We encourage everyone to visit the new Artist and Scientist in Residence and join in with the sessions that will be coming up over the next six months.”
Follow Wyre Council’s social media pages to keep updated on upcoming activities and events.
Follow Henry Iddon and Jessica Symons online to learn more about their work.