Reviving Melbourne
'Reviving Melbourne' is an exploration of the old buildings of Melbourne (South Derbyshire, UK) and its historical significance. Through research, personal and local oral histories, I co-created a body of mixed-media artworks that reflects the stories of the village's industrial past. The project included the facilitation of six workshops with community members, aimed at developing both artistic skills and connections within the community. Additionally I supported an emerging artist with 5 days of shadowing throughout the project.
MAP OF MELBOURNE, SOUTH DERBYSHIRE
BOOT & SHOE COLLECTION
This collection captures the essence of the boot and shoe factories in Melbourne, combining materials like leather, cork, glue, eyelets and shoelaces with elements of the buildings such as open windows, the factory noise and the sense of community as workers gathered together. For this project I concentrated on Dunnicliff’s Shoe Factory and Wilson’s Boot Factory, which were both on Derby Road, and Fairysteps on Commerce Street, but there were many more shoemakers in Melbourne.
FRAMEWORK KNITTING & STOCKINGS COLLECTION
The idea for these pieces developed from conversations with the local community and a visit to the Framework Knitting Museum in Ruddington. There, I watched demonstrations of the frames in action, heard their distinctive noise and got a sense of what it was like working in such tightly packed spaces. The pieces reflect on the passage of time and how memories fade, with a focus on preserving these stories before they disappear.
EXHIBITION
An exhibition to celebrate the project was held from 25th - 28th September 2024 at Creative Melbourne Gallery in South Derbyshire. This included two new collections (one on the Boot & Shoe Factories and one on the Framework Knitting Cottages & Stocking Factories), pieces co-created by community members, a mix of art, photography, poetry & audio. A booklet with the artwork, inspiration, photography & poems wrapped up the project and can be purchased here.
For a walkthrough of the exhibition take a look at the reels and photos below.
COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS
The project extended beyond my research and artwork, fostering connections with the community in and around Melbourne through interviews with former factory workers, visits to community groups and individuals, and participation in workshops. Its aim is to document local oral histories before they fade, celebrating personal stories and honouring the contributions to Melbourne's historical legacy. It also provided a first exhibition opportunity for many, taking pride in having their work displayed publicly.
Collaged Concertinas
A creative morning at Melbourne Library where we created four page concertina books filled with personalised collages, exploring composition, narrative, and mark-making.
Working in Multiples
The second workshop was with Melbourne Art Group, spread over two sessions we created nine miniature pieces float mounted and framed up together in a grid.
Folded Paper Houses
Melbourne Infant School created paper houses decorated with drawings, prints and words inspired by the buildings and landmarks of Melbourne. Afterwards, they shared their houses on a giant map.
Poetry & Collage
Camille McCawley and Jenny Stevenson joint led a 2 hour Poetry & Collage workshop, to explore Erasure Poetry and Haiku's and put them together to create a collage that tells a story.
Draw Melbourne
Karen Logan joined me from Draw Derby to run a sketching session in Melbourne. Participants of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced artists met in the Market Place in Melbourne to draw for 2 hours.
Matchbox Collages
A free drop-in workshop on the last day of the exhibition to create a collage in a matchbox, using photos of the buildings in Melbourne, to take away on the day.
'I loved having free rein to create my own piece, but it was great that Jenny was still always on hand to help when needed.'
Beth, Collaged Concertinas
'So relaxing and helpful that Jenny had prepared some materials so that we all ended up with a finished piece which doesn't always happen at other workshops.'
Margaret, Collaged Concertinas
'Excellent workshop. Well organised with all equipment necessary. A novel idea with lots of new skills learnt.'
Working in Multiples
'Well led, very well resourced. All work I saw achieved a good result.'
Working in Multiples
OTHER ARTISTS WHO WORKED ON THE PROJECT
Emerging Artist
Lisa Battelle
Lisa Battelle is a visual artist working with mixed media. Her passion for art and creating started at a very early age but in recent years has given art the focus it deserves.
My current series of work is centered around interesting and quirky buildings. These subjects lend themselves perfectly to pen and ink with a watercolour wash.
Lisa is shadowing Jenny for 5 days over the course of the project. Jenny is also mentoring Lisa, assisting in her professional growth & the exchange of skills, experiences & insights
Poet
Camille McCawley
Camille is a Derby based poet. She was Associate Poet for Derby Poetry Festival 2023. Her poems have been published in various magazines and her debut pamphlet, An Odd Gift, was published by Bearded Badger Publishing in 2021. Camille has headlined events such as Hammer and Tongue, Word Wise and Ilkley Fringe Festival. She has supported Yomi Sode, Joelle Taylor, Matt Abbott and others.
Camille created a collection of five poems inspired by the stories from the community of Melbourne and also collaborated on the Poetry & Collage workshop.
Photographer
Beth Edge
Beth is an artist based in North-West Leicestershire. She uses digital photography to capture small, often un-noticed details, with her aim being to provoke the curious nature in us all. She's passionate about changing people's perceptions of what photography can be. From creating large photographic installations to small transparent polaroids, Beth is always finding new ways to showcase her work.
Beth photographed the buildings in Melbourne for the booklet about the project and also created a collaborative installation with Jenny to display in the exhibition.
Audio Artist
Bob Rushton
Providing stage management, planning, arts admin, crew work, programming and more. Many years of experience in many aspects of Arts Administration, and Technical Work, with a can-do attitude and attention to detail.
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Bob helped to edit the community interview footage and audio version of the poetry collection. He was instrumental in helping to find a solution to the interactive audio element of the exhibition.
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Jenny was based at Creative Melbourne Gallery, South Derbyshire for the
duration of the project on the Spaces to Create Programme.
The Gallery is open Wed - Sat from 10am - 4pm and features work created by Melbourne Festival Artists and Makers in exhibitions that change on a monthly basis.
Many thanks also to Creative Melbourne Gallery, Melbourne Civic Society,
Melbourne Historical Research Group and the volunteers at the Framework Knitters Museum for their help and support throughout the project.
