Royal Derby Hospital & Covid-19 Essential workers.

Thank you Air Arts for selecting my work ‘471 Gems’ for inclusion in your next exhibition at The Royal Derby Hospital titled ‘Connection’, running from 10th November 2022 to April 2023, exact location of work to follow including an online map and virtual 3D map. Covid-19 restrictions apply.

During Covid-19 Lockdown Joy monogrammed the names of 471 essential Erewash workers onto discontinued clothing labels. ‘471 Gems’ also includes used clothing labels, a ladies diamante belt buckle and even a gold button found down the back of a settee in Ireland. On closer inspection you will find nine toy soldiers and four Scouting Badges arranged as precious metals and decorative gems. Toy soldiers remind us of heroes fighting on the front line, the Promise and Friendship Badges speak for themselves and represent the kindness, help and support given by many during these difficult times.

Exhibition Extended

Just a quick note to say that the exhibition of '471 Gems' at Erewash Museum, Ilkeston DE7 5JA has been extended for viewing. The final day that you will be able to search for your name is Saturday 30th October 2021. Erewash Museum is also open every day week commencing 25th October, 11am - 3pm as it is half term.

Special thanks to all essential workers and volunteers.

'471 Gems' at Erewash Museum

A huge thank you to everyone who came to view my artwork ‘471 Gems’ at U Choose Smoothie Bar last Saturday. We took photos, signed cards and celebrated essential workers and volunteers in Erewash. 

You will be pleased to know that ‘471 Gems’ is installed in the 1950’s shop at Erewash Museum until mid October 2021. The shop teaches us about rationing, community and design following the effects of World War II, and poses an interesting juxtaposition with the names of 471 Covid-19 essential workers and volunteers. 

I have a few gift cards left to purchase at £3 each and I will deliver these to Erewash Museum after the Bank Holiday Monday for anyone who would like a keep sake of the project. 

#471Gems #letscreate #madeinderbyshire #erewashmuseum

NEWS LETTER FOR PARTICIPANTS

Dear Participants,

Thank you for accepting the invitation to have your name included in my lockdown art project for essential workers and volunteers.

The artwork looks amazing and you will be delighted to hear that it will be exhibited in the window of U Choose Smoothie Bar, a local community hub, Café and Art Gallery from Tuesday 10th August until Saturday 21st August 2021. 

U Choose Smoothie Bar,
1 Bath Street, Ilkeston, DE7 8AH 
Opening hours Tuesday - Saturday 9am - 2:30pm, Closed Sunday and Monday.

Saturday 21st August is the last day of the exhibition and my aim is to be at site to meet anyone who is able to attend during the day. I will be in touch again soon with more information about the work and how it has developed over the last 18 months. 

Coiled Seashell with overlock tabs

I was gifted some overlock bobbins from the Button Factory at Leicester and later discovered that these overlock numbers were used to identify machinists as their textile work went down the line. Any garments that failed quality control could be returned to that specific machinist for alteration or repair. 

Following my visit to the Shell Museum I felt inspired to use these delicate rolls of numbers to copy the rhythm and growth pattern of a seashell, coiling the overlock tabs from small to large and anchoring them down with cotton thread. Also included are 27 mother of pearl buttons made from the inner layer of certain shells.