An artwork is to be installed in Millom Library this week, as part of a programme to strengthen the coastal area and increase employment opportunities.
Nattering by Morecambe-based artist Jamie Jenkinson was developed during his artist/researcher residency with the University of Cumbria, funded by Arts Council England and Cumberland Council.
The artwork is an expanded audio archive and was recorded over 30 days while bikepacking in the local area.
People can listen through headsets to the re-recorded cassette tapes while viewing the accompanying ceramics, which have been fired with local pigment and adorned with local flower pressings.
Nattering is the third in a series of artwork to be revealed which offer additional points of interest along the Cumbrian coast.
Darren Crossley, Cumberland Council’s director of place sustainable growth and transport, said: “The coastal programme aims to strengthen the coastal destination offer for both residents and visitors and increase sustainable employment opportunities by shining the spotlight on Cumbria’s largely undiscovered stretch of coastline.
Jamie said: “Cumbria’s west coast is a complex place. It can be raw, kind, quiet, extreme, dangerous, whimsical, beautiful, surprising; all at once. This collection tries to translate some of these feelings, which I hope are felt by Millom Library visitors.”
Alison Graham, assistant director for customer solutions at Cumberland Council, added: “We are delighted to provide a welcoming space at Millom Library, situated in Millom Community Hub, for both new visitors and existing library users.
“This is a perfect opportunity for those visiting to engage with art, whilst at the same time developing a greater appreciation for the area’s rich heritage and natural environment. Jamie’s artwork is very accessible, and the library’s comfortable surroundings are ideal to allow exploration of the installation.”
It will be installed in the library tomorrow, Friday June 21.
Cumberland Council has also supported Lake District National Park Authority with the development of the Eskdale Trail, featuring local artist Chris Brammell.
The council is working with other partners and will be revealing further commissioned artwork at various coastal locations during 2024.
Other completed elements of the Coastal programme that aim to bring art, adventure and improved infrastructure to the coast are as follows:
- Improvements to cycleways and footpaths at Eskdale Trail and St Bees path
- New activities at Muncaster Castle
- Supporting inclusive cycling through Wheels for All events and taster sessions in Whitehaven and Millom
- Six West Cumbria Tale Trail maps for Whitehaven, Silecroft, Ravenglass, St Bees, Seascale and Haverigg
- Silecroft café nearing completion
