Following on from the previous post regarding our visit to the Herb Garrett, early last year, Jen has continued to develop ideas, in particular how herbs were used and referenced in 17th century in literature; not only as medicine but also as poison. In contrast to the present day, the uses of common herbs was more widely understood and descriptions can frequently be found in literature and plays. For example one can be seen in William Shakespeare's play Hamlet. In trying to draw attention to his mothers treachery having poisoned his father, Hamlet can be found muttering the words 'wormwood, wormwood."

One of the earliest known recipes containing mugwort (also known as wormwood) can be traced back to 1000AD. The herb is known to have had a bitter taste and was commonly used to treat heartache/heartburn. Jen has chosen lead as the medium to explore some of these contrasting qualities. The work continues to evolve.

It has been a remarkable Spring/Summer. With the Covid -19 virus causing such disruption both here in the UK and around the world, plans have inevitably changed as we adapt to the subsequent circumstances. Three months of Lockdown and continued uncertainty about the virus has meant further Museum visits have had to be postponed. 

However, as we were all enthused by the visit to The Herb Garrett, we have opted for this as a starting point for new  work. Given the difficulties in arranging exhibitions at the moment we will show the work online. 

Chris is keen to explore the links between John Keats and St.Thomas's hospital. Keats was an apothecary and training to become a surgeon when he decided to leave medicine to focus on writing poetry. She has been researching herbariums and medicinal plants, along side  the work of the poet.

Heather has been gathering inspiration and collecting various objects in readiness for "the magic to happen". She will be utilising a letterpress type case as a container for an altered book, and specimens. Heather is writing a story about a herb woman who supplies the hospital.

Meanwhile Karen intrigued by the array of surgical instruments on display, has chosen to research another woman's story - novelist Frances Burney. Frances recorded a first hand account of having had a mastectomy in 1811. 

While Jules' research pays homage to Alice de Bregerake who gifted the property to St.Thomas's hospital in return for the yearly rent of one rose.

A recent visit to London allowed all of us to meet and catch up face to face. As we all have an interest in collections, we selected two small museums to visit with the aim of gathering inspiration for a new project. The first museum on our list saw us arrive at Dennis Severs House in Spitalfields (here). 

Described as a 'still life drama' each room in the house has been carefully created to capture a moment in time. Each room offers a window on the life of various generations of Hugunot silk weavers - it is as if the occupants have just left the room".

it is an interesting experience. Unlike other museums, this is arranged so the visitors can wander through without any information boards or roped off areas. Gavin Stamp described Severs "as a true original, an artist of perverse genius who created a three dimensional historical novel out of bricks and mortar and timber and the objects he picked up for a song on countless stalls" (article here). Unfortunately no photography is allowed in the house.
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Our second visit of the day took us to the Old Operating Theatre and Herb Garrett which was once part of St Thomas Hospital. St Thomas's is one of Londons oldest hospitals having been providing shelter and care since the twelfth century. Entered via a church tower, the narrow stone staircase spirals upwards, the visitor eventually arrives in an attic room. The Herb Garrett is a welcoming intriguing space. In the dark but carefully lit room an array of fascinating displays can be viewed. Alongside herbs and other medicinal paraphernalia, a collection of early medical instruments are also on show.

The Old Operating Theatre is a small room adjoining the Herb Garret. This is another historically interesting space. It is the oldest operating theatre in Europe and is frequently used in films and documentaries. (more info here) 

Our intention is to visit several other small museums over the summer before deciding on our next group project. Ideas are gently peculating so watch this space!

The Old Operating Theatre 1822 

Bookscapes continues to evolve  following a group show last year at the National Trust property Blickling Hall. Details of that event were posted on a facebook page "The Curious World of Artist Books". Various images are available to view here.

​We look forward to 'unveiling"  new work and further projects over the coming months.