As part of the late Christmas shopping festivities, Bridport Museum welcomed visitors in for mince pies, mulled wine and the chance to make and donate any knot of their choosing, to become part of an artwork which will be launched at the Museum next year.
Artist, Nancy J Clemance, will be gathering in knotty donations via her Knot Booth, at various locations over the coming months and using them in her work for the New Opportunities Award commission.
Clemance said ‘This evening’s been really enjoyable. I’ve collected 76 names from people, of all ages, who’ve made and donated a knot to my commission, and a few more ‘anonymous’ knots. Each one will be used in my installation, which is inspired by all those skilled knotmakers who’ve made Bridport’s wealth and worldwide netmaking reputation over hundreds of years, and continue to do so.’
The Museum’s Curator, Emily Hicks, and all the volunteers generously made and contributed knots, some larger than others, and a local teenager who’d already achieved Bronze Arts Award, commenced his Silver Award by assisting Nancy and encouraging people to make their knots.
Emily Hicks said ‘We’re delighted that Nancy is donating her time as an Arts Award Adviser, and we’ll be supporting Spike to make the most out of this opportunity. He came up with some great work for his Bronze Award, so we’re looking forward to enjoying his progress. We’re only sorry we don’t have the resources to involve all our past Bronze achievers at the moment.’
Clemance’s final work will launch as part of the second Ropewalk Fair, May 2015. Her progress can be followed on Twitter: @BridportKnots,