Gathering

The large tithe barn at Stoke Sub Hamdon Priory, Somerset, is amongst a rare and unique group of medieval domestic and agricultural buildings. This was the focus of a contemporary craft project in 2015. The commissioned artworks was exhibited as part of Somerset Art Weeks 2017 at the Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury.
The title ‘Gather-ing’ references the function of a barn as a space to collect/bring/gather people, animals and crops, as well as a symbolic meeting place to gather for ritual celebration.
In 2015 artists Stewart Easton and associates, Jacky Oliver, Helen Snell, Gillian Widden and Christopher Jelley were commissioned to make new work in response to the large tithe barn at Stoke Sub Hamdon Priory. Curated by Craftspace, initiated by Somerset Art Works in partnership with the National Trust.
The project showcases contemporary craft: makers, skills, materials and thinking. The aspiration of Somerset Art Works was to ‘inspire and challenge’ audiences and ‘raise the quality of craft made and seen in Somerset’ by engaging craft practitioners with a track record of excellence and ability to make creative, imaginative and innovative responses to the site and brief.