Art of Isolation book and virtual exhibition
Age UK Lancashire are delighted to announce the launch on 16th November of “Art of Isolation” an inspirational visual record of Lancashire in Lockdown. The beautiful 128 page full colour book and online exhibition comprise poetry, paintings, photographs and musings which have been submitted by Lancashire’s older residents.
The project began as a webpage to provide entertainment and creative ideas during Lockdown. With support from Age UK and Comic Relief we were able to develop the idea as a permanent record of this unique and extremely challenging period.
Jacqueline Harris, a local storyteller, has collated and curated the exhibition and the book. She says,
“It has been an absolute joy and privilege to work on this project. When we asked for submissions, we had no idea what to expect. The influx of work and writing has shown a huge generosity of spirit, such a wide sweep of creativity, imagination and kindness. I like to think of this as northern soul! It would seem that the human spirit really is indomitable and that in the end it is community, love and creative expression, in many forms, that matters, and gets to the nub of things. Coming from a time when communication became increasingly difficult, these images and words communicate something deep and true about human nature.”
The exhibition and the book reflect many aspects of Lockdown including separation and loneliness, kindness, family and friendship, the news, support for the NHS, travel restrictions, exploring close to home and nature.
Teri Stephenson Chief Executive of Age UK Lancashire says,
“We are proud and delighted to be able to share this remarkable snap shot of Lancashire in Lockdown. This book will provide a very personal legacy and we hope that people across Lancashire will view the exhibition and buy the book for their families.”
The online exhibition and book order form can be found on Age UK Lancashire’s website.
Or To go direct to the book on ebay https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/
If you have served in the armed forces or merchant services and would like to contribute to our next anthology please see https://www.ageuk.org.uk/
