From the Bristol Estate to Preston Manor - artist tastes fruits of success
One of the first artists to occupy converted artists’ studios on the Bristol Estate in Brighton is taking part in a major new exhibition in the city’s Preston Manor.
Ingrid Plum spent a year in one of the studios to develop her work. The council, assisted by residents, converted the studios in 2008 from disused bin stores and drying areas to provide affordable space for seven local artists.
While she was in residence, the artist involved residents in making a bird origami installation which was displayed in the community.
For the new exhibition at Preston Manor, which is also owned and run by Brighton & Hove City Council, Ingrid is one of 12 artists commissioned to create new work inspired by the Manor and its history.
The exhibition is the result of 18 months collaboration between Unravelled, a group of artists that combines craft makers with conceptual artists, and Royal Pavilion & Museums, Brighton & Hove, supported by the Arts Council.
Exhibits have been placed amongst the original objects in the house to encourage the audience to find them and question what they see.
Artists have used craft skills in unusual ways and a broad range of materials, from stitch and clay, to blood, glass, video and paper.
Ingrid has produced three items in her installation – a video, a soundtrack of noises that come from the building and copper plate handwriting. Together they explore the relationships within the Stanford family, who lived at Preston Manor.
“One of the best things about being on the Bristol Estate is that you are integrated with the people who live there. They are very friendly and they give you instant feedback on your work. It’s like having free tutorials – they would just say what they thought of something,” said Ingrid.
Now she is working with Nacro, teaching art to students not in education, employment or training. They recently staged an exhibition at Jubilee Library to celebrate completing an arts award challenge.
Councillor David Smith, cabinet member for culture, said: “Ingrid’s story shows how artists are flourishing in all kinds of places across the city. The council is proud of the support it gives to creative industries, providing space to work and exhibit, and involving residents to tap into their own creative talents.”
Unravelling the Manor House is at Preston Manor from 1 May to 25 July.
As part of the Preston Manor exhibition, you can learn to knit with Ingrid at a workshop on 26 June. Other events associated with the exhibition are:
- Wednesday 12 May One-day symposium on how to approach art on an historical site
- Saturday 29 May 3D Collage workshop with Unravelled artist Maria Rivans
- Saturday 5 June Unravelling the Manor House gallery tour
- Saturday 12 June Learn how to cut and assemble paper diorama scenes with Unravelled artist Lizzie Thomas
