The winning artists used the Norman Plastow Gallery as their studio space, creating stunning pieces inspired by items from the museum’s collection. Their work is now on display in the museum until Christmas.
Elizabeth O’Farrelly
Elizabeth O’Farrelly currently studies Fine Art at Chelsea School of Art. Much of Elizabeth’s practice revolves around the concepts of home and nostalgia and, for Elizabeth, these themes are intertwined with Merton – the one place Elizabeth has always called home.
Elizabeth celebrated the magic of theatre and the craftsmanship behind each performance with her highly detailed crankie box, “An Ode to Wimbledon Theatre.” Amazingly, the basic structure was made from foam board and toilet rolls. She then added intricate details, including marble pillars, carpets, curtains, balcony railings, and lighting. The result is an extraordinary and meticulously crafted tribute to the theatre.
Instagram: @elizabeth.ofarrelly
Kate Appleby
Kate Appleby is an artist who lives and works in Wimbledon. Her practice consists of sculpture and drawing, often taking inspiration from nature that she encounters.
Kate drew inspiration from the ancient heather on Wimbledon Common, which has flourished there for countless generations. Her sculpture, made from papier-mâché, wire, cardboard, and acrylic paint, captures the timeless essence of this natural landscape.
Instagram: @katetookaphoto
Josette Britton
Josette Britton is a textile artist based in London. Josette likes to create illustrations, puppets and dolls that convey narratives, often inspired by folktales.
Josette honored the life of Rose Lamartine Yates, whose Holloway Brooch is on display at the museum, by crafting a textile doll of Rose with a wall hanging that features illustrations of key moments from her life, including planting the Monterey Pine sapling at the Suffragette Arboretum and delivering her powerful speech upon being arrested in 1909.
Website: www.josettebritton.wordpress.com/ Instagram: @josettebritton
Lauren Pencil
Lauren Pencil is a graphic designer, writer and researcher with an editorial focus, alongside a history degree specialising in art and material culture.
Lauren Pencil’s book, ‘On Common Ground’, is a beautiful collection of art and writing inspired by Wimbledon Common. Much like the Common itself, the book acts as a shared, creative space, born from a response to a painting from the museum’s collection. Through vibrant expressions of nature, life, and creativity, the book embodies both the physical and metaphorical essence of being ‘on common ground.’
Instagram: @laurenisapencil
The image gallery shows some of the works in progress.