Last year, when I was just starting my artist in residency at Burton Constable, I was “in residence” for the weekend of the Cornucopia Festival.  For three days whilst the sun shone and music played I sat in the barn with the sperm whale skeleton and talked to festival goers about my work. I had a fantastic time.  In the evening when the barn was locked up for the night I could wander round the festival, chat to stall holders listen to music, have something good (and reasonably priced) to eat and generally chill out (not a thing I generally do).

Evening at Cornucopia Festival Burton Constable

I finished my residency in April this year with an exhibition, but loved the place (and particularly the staff and volunteers who had all made me so welcome) so looked for a good excuse to return.  And so last weekend I found myself at the Cornucopia Festival, with the work that I’d made as a result of that residency.  This time I was in a stable block with other artists, and yet again the sun shone and yet a again I had a fantastic time.

In the stables at Cornucopia Festival Burton Constable 2016

I took my sewing machine and in the (very few) quiet times when I was not talking to people I worked on some sample pieces. These were also good conversation starters.  On my table I had my handling collection of stuffed whales and textile pieces that people and particularly children appreciate being able to hold and investigate and ask question about.  I also hung the two touch panels of textile samples showing the techniques I use in my work that were so successful in the April exhibition.  And I took my Moby Dick bunting of course, which was much admired.

Textile Samples made at Cornucopia Festival Burton Constable 2016

Burton Constable is an amazing place and truly a hidden gem.  The Sperm Whale skeleton is worth the visit alone.  The beautiful stables, the Capability Brown landscaping and the magnificent Hall itself are all individually reasons to go.  Add to that a great café, shop and brilliantly helpful and knowledgeable volunteers and guides. And I haven’t touched on all the great stuff for kids. Go visit!

http://www.burtonconstable.com/

http://www.cornucopiafestival.co.uk/

The initial residency was part funded through the Arts Council England Grants for the Arts and the Friends of Burton Constable.