Two local artists are recording Kendal’s history in the form of engraved slate plaques after working with members of the local community, Kendal College of Art and local mental health charity, Space2Create.
Following the Sound to Stone exhibition of Kendal College of Art at Wildman Street Gallery, Kendal on May 13 and May 14, six visuals will be selected and engraved onto slate by local stone artist Danny Clahane. These plaques will then be integrated into the flood wall along Mintsfeet riverside footpath.
Local artists Annie Luke Turner and Lana Grindley are also involved in the project.
The Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme led by the Environment Agency aims to not only protect people and properties from flooding but to create a lasting benefit for the community and the local environment. The riverside area will be improved throughout the scheme with landscaping, planting, and several art features. Once complete the scheme will better protect 1,400 homes and 1,100 businesses from flooding.
Michael Howard, Art & Design Lecturer, said: “The Kendal College Art & Design department and students are very excited by the creative project provided by the Environment Agency. The opportunity for our students to collaborate and learn from local artists like Annie Turner and Danny Clahane helps give them first-hand experience of working in the creative industry.
“It will be such a positive experience for our students to see their designs incorporated into the flood defence scheme along the River Kent, to be enjoyed by locals and visitors to the area.”
Maria Ullyart from the Environment Agency said: “It is our aim to work with the community as we develop and build the Kendal Food scheme. It is great that we can open opportunities for the local community of Kendal to be involved in developing how the multi-million flood scheme will look. The Sound to Stone project is a fantastic chance to capture and celebrate Kendal’s history”.
