The Stained Glass Museum in Ely, Cambridgeshire, has been awarded Designated Status by Arts Council England, placing it among a select group of institutions whose collections are recognised as being of national significance. This prestigious accolade celebrates the exceptional range, quality, and importance of the museum’s collection, which spans more than 800 years of stained glass history.

Designated status has been awarded to the museum’s entire collection, including its collection of glass, preparatory designs and cartoons, and specialist tools and sample materials used to make stained glass, recognising it as one of the most significant collections of its kind in the country.

Founded in 1972, The Stained Glass Museum has spent more than five decades championing the artistic, technical and cultural importance of stained glass. This prestigious recognition acknowledges the museum’s leading role in using its collections to promote research, conservation and public engagement with this unique art form. Designated Status is granted to only a small number of non-national museums, galleries, libraries and archives across England and Wales. It is a mark of distinction that demonstrates how collections play a significant role in deepening our understanding of the world and our shared cultural heritage. This award acknowledges The Stained Glass
Museum’s proactive commitment to developing its collections, and its dedication to improving research and interpretation to further the understanding and enjoyment of stained glass for diverse audiences, both now and in the future.

Dr Jasmine Allen, Director and Curator at The Stained Glass Museum says: “Achieving Designated status is a real accomplishment for our team, and an important step towards achieving our vision for the museum to be ‘a national centre for the enjoyment and understanding of stained glass through storytelling, creativity and research’. It underlines the important role The Stained Glass Museum’s collections play in the public understanding of the history and development of stained glass in Britain – not only through our public gallery, learning, outreach and events programme, but also through research projects, partnerships, publications, conferences, and increasingly loans to other cultural institutions.”

Mark Hosea, Chair of the Board of Trustees of The Stained Glass Museum added: “We are delighted to have been awarded Designated Status by Arts Council England, recognizing the significance of the entire collection of The Stained Glass Museum. The strength and depth of the collection was fully acknowledged by the expert assessment panel who recognized its ‘comprehensive representation of stained glass as a national craft, including significant artworks, technological developments, and links to endangered craft skills’. We hope that this Designated Status will act as a foundation for future growth and help us to strengthen existing and develop new partnerships, secure further funding, and help facilitate and generate new research into stained glass as a living art form with a long and rich tradition in this country.”

Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England said: “The Stained Glass Museum’s Collection tells the story of British and international stained glass making over nine centuries. Alongside the beauty and expertise to be found in the panels on display, visitors can also track significant periods of change for society, and eventually see the world we live in reflected back at them. This expertly curated and cared-for museum is a significant addition to our network of designated collections. Congratulations to The Stained Glass Museum on this achievement, which recognises collections of national significance.”

© The Stained Glass Museum

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Running until Friday 7 February 2026, SPACE immerses visitors in a journey through the universe, combining large-scale digital projections, original soundscapes and storytelling set within one of England’s most iconic medieval buildings.

As night falls, Ely Cathedral becomes a breathtaking canvas of swirling galaxies, distant planets and abstract interpretations of time, light and creation. The experience invites visitors of all ages to explore humanity’s fascination with space while seeing the Cathedral in a completely new way.

The installation is created by the acclaimed artistic collaboration Luxmuralis, known for transforming historic spaces into powerful, emotionally engaging environments through light, music and narrative.

Amy Royal, Head of Events at Ely Cathedral, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Luxmuralis back to Ely. SPACE offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience the Cathedral in a completely new light. It brings together art, music and architecture to create a memorable experience for all ages.”

Peter Walker, Artistic Director of SPACE, added:
“Ely Cathedral’s scale and beauty make it a perfect setting for SPACE. Our aim is to create moments of wonder that connect people emotionally with both the building and the themes of the universe.”

SPACE is running now until Friday 7 February, with timed evening entry sessions available. Early booking is recommended for remaining slots.

Further information and tickets are available at:
https://www.elycathedral.org/events/space

Visit Ely Cathedral’s Star Dome | 16–21 February 2026

Following the SPACE light show, visitors can also experience the Star Dome at Ely Cathedral during half term, from 16–21 February 2026.

The Star Dome is a fully immersive planetarium experience that transports audiences into a celestial world of stars, planets and galaxies. Guided by an expert in astronomy and astronautics, visitors will explore constellations and discover the myths and legends associated with the night sky.

On Saturday 21 February, a special session will take place in collaboration with Tiptree Stargazers, with telescopes set up outside the Cathedral to observe astronomical objects in the night sky, weather permitting.

The Star Dome offers a calm, educational and memorable experience for all ages.

Tickets and further information are available at:
https://www.elycathedral.org/events/stardome.

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The gateway underpass at the Ely Leisure Village has been adorned with colour and flair by students in Years 9 and 10 from the college.

Street artist Kilo, lead artist at Splash & Dash Creations Ltd, worked with the students to teach street art skills and facilitate the development of the mural, with students painting their designs directly on the underpass wing near Costa coffee.

The installation was phase two of a successful and exciting partnership project with young people. The collaborative project has involved key partners City of Ely Council, Ely Community College, East Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridgeshire County Council.

Lis Every, Chair of the East Cambs Community Safety Partnership said: “Working with the students in the design and installation of the artwork has been inspirational and seeing them engaging fully in the project has been so rewarding.

“Our thanks go to the City of Ely Council for their continued support and funding towards the project.”

Cllr Mike Banyard, The Mayor of Ely, added: “Engaging with young people and seeing their collaborative approach to claiming their local area as a place to be both inspired by and proud of has been a positive experience for everyone involved.

“The council welcomed the opportunity to continue to fund and support this worthwhile project.”

Phase one last year saw artwork installed inside the underpass and covering the wing nearest the green open space and walkways which lead to the leisure village. This year the students stepped up once again, adding their designs directly on the wing of the underpass.

Councillor Alison Whelan, chair of the Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council said: “After the hugely successful first phase of this vibrant and ambitious art project, I’m delighted we’re supporting this next phase, alongside our local partners.

“Providing opportunities for young people to have their skills and creativity recognised where they live, is one way we can really help them to thrive and their communities to prosper.”

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Events in your area include:  Ghost of a Smile (Theatre) and Victor and Albert  (Comedy). Additionally, we have workshops with Handmade concertina books, Africa Music and Comic and Graphic Novel.

Thanks to public funding from Arts Council England, tickets are affordably priced between £3 and £9, with concessions available.

Guests can look forward to a unique and intimate experience, quite unlike anything offered by a traditional theatre or larger entertainment venue. Everyone is welcome – we aim to make our activities as welcoming and accessible as possible. Detailed access information for all activities is on the Events page on our website.

Tickets are now on sale. Take a look at the full programme schedule, pick up a brochure and purchase tickets in participating libraries and online www.library.live/the-library-presents  

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Think your local library is just about books? Think again! Tickets are now on sale for the 16th season of The Library Presents, the arts and entertainment programme that transforms these community spaces across Cambridgeshire into immersive, theatre-style experiences.

Returning this September, the programme features 33 different acts and includes a mix of live music, laugh-out-loud theatre, mind-blowing magic and dazzling dance. Hundreds of local residents played a part in shaping this season’s line-up by taking part in the choosing process. Highlights include: hip-hop dance theatre from I’m Muslamic Don’t Panik, dance performances from Olive Branch, theatre show The Ghost of a Smile! and storytelling from F(able): Fierce Fairy Tales for the Next Generation.

Try something new this Autumn

Did you know that when asked their motivations for attending, 61% of our audiences said they come to The Library Presents to try something new? This Autumn, why not join them? Featuring 51 events at 24 intimate library venues, from Bassingbourn to Yaxley and everywhere in between, this season offers more variety than ever. Whether you’re amazed by the arts or wowed by the workshops, there’s truly something for everyone. From performances to hands-on sessions for adults, families and young people, all events are affordably priced between £2 and £10, with concessions and flexible “pay what you can” options available at selected shows.

This season will offer more new artists and workshops than any other programme to date and features eight dance performances and workshops.

What’s on locally in Ely, Littleport and Soham

As part of this county-wide line-up, libraries in Ely, Littleport and Soham will host a range of performances and workshops.

Ely
Ely Library will welcome the quick-witted comedy of Victor & Albert and the powerful dance theatre performance of I’m Muslamic Don’t Panik, both with Hearing Loops available, alongside a third live event later in the season.

Littleport
Littleport Library will host:

• Crochet Flowers for Beginners – Monday 17 November, 6pm. Run by published author and teacher Claire Montgomerie, this workshop guides confident beginners aged 8+ (with some crochet experience) through creating colourful floral motifs. Under-12s must be accompanied by a ticket-holding adult.
• The Ghost of a Smile! – Saturday 13 December, 7pm (doors open 6.40pm). Two of Charles Dickens’ creepiest tales reimagined with a comic twist. Adapted and directed by Gavin Robertson and performed by Nicholas Collett. Suitable for adults and young people 12+. This is a Relaxed Performance with a quieter space available. Hearing Loops will also be in place.

Soham
At Soham Library, families can enjoy the Jungle Jumble Flip Book Workshop – Friday 31 October, 2pm. Illustrator Moira Millman will help participants aged 7+ create imaginative animal flip books using drawing, rubber stamping and collage. Under-12s must be accompanied by a ticket-holding adult.

Libraries like you’ve never seen them before

The humble libraries and community spaces of Cambridgeshire will be transformed with lighting, backdrops and sound equipment. And while there is plenty for the little ones to enjoy, adults can enjoy performances accompanied by a glass of something cold from the bar at some of our evening events.

Councillor Alison Whelan, Chair of the Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said:

“We’re delighted to launch a new season of The Library Presents, with an exciting range of events shaped by our communities and hosted in local libraries.

Our libraries are vibrant community spaces where people can come together to engage with culture and creativity. The Library Presents makes high quality live entertainment accessible locally, demonstrating our commitment to creating a fairer Cambridgeshire. This autumn season is set to be a wonderful celebration of creativity, diversity, and connection – and we warmly invite everyone to come along and enjoy it.”

Accessibility and inclusivity for all

With a commitment to making the arts accessible to everyone, The Library Presents offers a range of assistance, including relaxed performances — safe spaces for neurodiverse or autistic audience members — BSL-interpreted events, audio-described and live-captioned performances, and ‘touch tours’ before performances, to assist those with extra sensory needs. Detailed accessibility information is provided for each of our events and can be found in the programme brochure (available in all libraries and other community hubs) or by browsing our website.

Funded by Arts Council England

Cambridgeshire is one of a small number of library authorities funded to help bring high-quality arts programmes to local communities, thanks to the continued funding from Arts Council England.

Over a three-year period, £530,000 has been invested to help keep ticket prices affordable and ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation.

Hazel Edwards, South East Area Director, Arts Council England, said:

“The Library Presents is a brilliant example of how creativity can thrive in unexpected spaces, bringing high-quality arts experiences directly into the heart of local communities. We are proud to support a programme that champions accessibility, celebrates diversity, and empowers residents to shape their cultural landscape. It’s inspiring to see libraries transformed into vibrant venues where people of all ages can try something new.”

Tickets on sale now!

The first event of the new season takes place on Saturday, 13 September. Demand is expected to be high, with many events likely to sell out quickly. Tickets can be purchased online, by scanning the QR code in the programme brochure, by phone, in person at participating libraries, or on the door (subject to availability).

The post The Library Presents is back with more workshops and new artists than ever before appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Funded by a £250 grant from The Arts Society in London and proceeds from the Society’s November raffle, the project saw members create children’s art bags tailored for three different age groups.

Each handmade bag includes a variety of art supplies and easy-to-follow project ideas to help children stay creative over the summer holidays.

The bags were crafted by Maggie Haverson, Amanda Wesson and Vivien Hussey, with fabric donated by the family of former chairman Wendy Fox. Amanda Wesson and Susan Bluck sourced the materials and designed the activities. Tim Hoof and Janet Jones also contributed to the effort.

The photograph shows Maggie Haverson, Amanda Wesson and Linda Swain, Chairman of The Arts Society Ely, handing over the art bags to Ely Foodbank volunteers Stella and Sarah.

Photograph by Susan Bluck

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The Cambridge Rock Festival is a beloved event in the festival calendar, showcasing the best of rock, blues, and prog music and providing a platform for emerging talent. The festival is run by a team of dedicated volunteers, who work tirelessly to bring the event to life.

“We’re excited to celebrate another year of music and community to the Cambridge Rock Festival,” said Emma Thomas, Festival Coordinator. Dave Roberts, Festival Director adds “Our lineup is shaping up to be one of the best yet, with a mix of established acts and new talent. We’re looking forward to welcoming our fans back to the festival and introducing them to a variety of music, both new and old.”

Join us for our long weekend of festival fun, with Thursday evening’s line up bringing together some of the finest tribute bands and original acts to give you a taster of what lies ahead for the next three days of the festival. Friday – Sunday offer music from 11am – 11pm showcasing many more great bands you know, and great bands to discover!

The festival will take place once again at Ben’s Yard, Ely, with a range of entertainment for all tastes. In addition to the live music, the festival will feature its renowned real ale bar and merchandise, local food stalls, and a selection of stalls selling a variety of wares.

The Cambridge Rock Festival is committed to providing a friendly, safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees. The festival organizers are working closely with their loyal team of volunteers, grown from a circle of friends 21 years ago. The site is disabled friendly with no step access in green fields.

For more information about the Cambridge Rock Festival 2025, including ticket sales and lineup announcements, please visit our website at cambridgerockfestival.co.uk Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date with the latest news and updates.

Media Contact: Emma Thomas – emmat.crf@gmail.com

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For just £29.50, The Ely Passport offers discounted entry to four of the city’s must-see attractions: Ely Cathedral, Ely Museum, The Stained-Glass Museum, and Oliver Cromwell’s House. With just one ticket, visitors gain access to an immersive experience of Ely’s extraordinary history, architecture, art and culture – all within a convenient 48-hour period.

The Passport has been created with both value and flexibility in mind. Whether you’re in the city for a day or a weekend, the 48-hour window allows ample time to explore each venue at your own pace, while still leaving room to enjoy Ely’s charming cafes, independent shops, riverside walks and welcoming pubs. Multiple entry to Ely Cathedral is also available, just in case you miss something and want to return during your stay.

“The Ely Passport is a fantastic way for visitors to experience the very best of our city in an easy, affordable and enjoyable way. By working together, our attractions are offering not just great value for money, but a joined-up visitor experience that encourages people to stay longer, explore more and discover everything Ely has to offer – from its heritage and culture to its shops, cafes and riverside walks.” Anna Bennett, Tourism Manager Visit Ely

The launch of the Ely Passport marks a milestone in collaborative tourism for the city. Ely Cathedral, Ely Museum, The Stained-Glass Museum and Oliver Cromwell’s House have worked closely together on the initiative, highlighting the power of partnership to enhance the visitor experience and support the local economy.

Each attraction offers a unique perspective on Ely’s rich and diverse story, from the awe-inspiring beauty of the Cathedral and the vibrant artistry of The Stained-Glass Museum to the engaging historical narratives found in Ely Museum and Oliver Cromwell’s House. Together, they provide a captivating picture of a city steeped in heritage and alive with culture.

The Ely Passport can be purchased at any of the participating attractions and is valid for 48 consecutive hours from the first use. It’s ideal for individuals, couples and families seeking a cost-effective way to discover the highlights of Ely without the hassle of multiple bookings.

With summer just around the corner, there’s never been a better time to discover, or rediscover, what Ely has to offer. The Ely Passport is your key to unlocking the best of the city on one simple, great-value ticket.

For more information, including pricing, opening times and where to buy the Ely Passport, please visit the links

To buy on-line  https://shorturl.at/YGwqo

To purchase in person: https://www.visitely.org.uk/the-ely-passport/

The post Explore More, Spend Less: Ely’s Top Attractions Join Forces to Launch the Money-Saving Ely Passport appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

A new season of The Library Presents is currently filling Cambridgeshire libraries with music, theatre, dance, and creative workshops this spring – now it’s your opportunity to help shape the future by choosing the performers you want to see in the Autumn 2025 Season!

Between Wednesday 26 March and Friday 2 May, Cambridgeshire residents are invited to take part in The Library Presents choosing process. Their selections will help decide which artists and performances feature in the Autumn lineup of the much-loved arts and entertainment programme. Whether you love live music, laugh-out-loud theatre, mind-blowing magic, dance or theatre, this is your chance to help create the programme and ensure it reflects the interests of our communities.

Since its launch in 2018, The Library Presents has delivered more than 1,000 hours of entertainment, and more than 500 events, offering everything from live music and puppetry to immersive digital arts and hands-on workshops. Thanks to the public’s input, the programme has evolved with each season presenting exciting new artists and events, much to the delight of local audiences who continue to be enthralled with the variety and quality of the performances. One of last season’s attendees commented: “I would expect to travel quite a distance to see these shows – so it’s very much appreciated that they are within easy reach.”

The choosing process coincides with the Spring season of The Library Presents, which began on 21 March and will run to 29 June. More than 50% of tickets had sold before the first performance took place, confirming the continued popularity of this long-running programme.

Thanks to the generous support of Arts Council England, The Library Presents continues to receive significant public funding, enabling the programme to bring high-quality arts experiences to communities across Cambridgeshire. Over a three-year period, £530,000 has been invested to help keep ticket prices affordable and ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation.

Hazel Edwards, South East Area Director, Arts Council England, said: “We were delighted to continue our funding for The Library Presents through our 2023-26 National Portfolio, supporting them to programme a huge variety of creative and cultural events that communities across Cambridgeshire can enjoy. It is hugely powerful to see that local residents have played such an important role in choosing the performers and events that they want to see.”

Making the arts accessible to all is at the heart of The Library Presents. Standard ticket prices are heavily subsidised, with events costing between £2 and £8.50. The programme’s commitment to inclusivity means families, children, and individuals of all ages can experience the magic of live arts. One delighted grandparent shared their experience of taking their grandchild to see Rainbow Butterfly, a vibrant family show combining storytelling, carnival, aerial circus: “The dancers were incredibly talented acrobats, they did a great job of talking to the audience and taking them on a journey. The after-show activities were well chosen and gripped the children.”

Browse the selection at your participating libraries or go online between 26 March and 2 May to take part. For more information, visit Library Live | The Library Presents.

Participating Libraries:

Barnwell Road, Chatteris, Cherry Hinton, Ely, Littleport, March, Ramsey, St Ives, St Neots, Whittlesey, Wisbech, Yaxley

Audience member quotes

I would expect to travel quite a distance to see these shows – so it’s very much

appreciated that they are within easy reach. I particularly loved Graffiti Classics.

Volunteer quotes

I thoroughly enjoy my volunteering experience and wish I had more time to do more.

Terrific! The events are so varied, and it is good to interact with the attendees.

The post Select the performers, shape the show! appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

“Very cool music played in a magical atmosphere – this will appeal to jazz novices as well as hardcore enthusiasts.” Three Weeks Magazine

Appearing at:

LITTLE THETFORD VILLAGE HALL
Fri 28th March 8pm

Ian and Dominic are unique in the UK Jazz community taking their blend of melodic jazz standards and original compositions to rural communities all over the UK. They use programmable lighting and table lights to create a wonderful intimate atmosphere for the music.

They tell stories of their travels in their Tour Bus – an old converted Yorkshire Ambulance, in an entertaining evening of creative music and enthusiastic joy.

“We are delighted to be performing all over the UK in a variety of venues with many sell out concerts and record sales in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival” says Ian

“We are now also making many return visits to venues up and down the country. Throughout lock down we called ourselves the Socially Distanced Duo now we’re getting out and meeting our audience again!” says Dominic

LITTLE THETFORD VILLAGE HALL, The Wytches, Ely CB6 3HG
Fri 28th March 8pm £15 doors open 7pm, Licensed bar
Accompanied under 16s free
www.ticketsource.co.uk/little-thetford-village-hall
graham@gjconsultancy.co.uk  tel: 07795 200447
Visit our website for our blog, videos, photos, reviews and our Concert Diary plus links to our Social Media accounts www.millarandspencer.co.uk

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The world-renowned Philharmonia Orchestra will be visiting Ely Cathedral to perform Vaughan Williams’ A Sea Symphony alongside Cambridge University Symphony Chorus on Saturday 15 March 2025.

The collaboration also involves members of Cambridge college choirs, renowned soprano Sophie Bevan MBE, and rising star baritone Daniel D’Souza, an English National Opera Harewood Artist for 2024-25.

David Young, Director of the Cambridge University Symphony Chorus and the National Symphony Chorus of Ireland, will be conducting the performance.

Founded in the immediate aftermath of World War II, the Philharmonia is widely recognised as one of the world’s great orchestras. From its base at London’s Southbank Centre it tours the world – it is due to give performances as far afield as Japan, Spain, Estonia, Finland and the Canary Islands this year – while its numerous recordings include more than 150 film and videogame soundtracks and a recording of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 which is travelling through interstellar space on board the Voyager spacecraft.

Written between 1903 and 1909, A Sea Symphony was Vaughan Williams’ first large-scale piece of music. It is scored for soprano, baritone, chorus and a large orchestra, and its text is drawn from Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass, which were little known in England at the time.

University of Cambridge Centre for Music Performance Director Simon Fairclough says, “We’re thrilled to be bringing Vaughan Williams’ A Sea Symphony to Ely in March. To have one of the UK’s finest orchestras accompanying the choral might of our University Symphony Chorus within the historic setting of Ely Cathedral will make for a truly special evening.”

To purchase your tickets, please contact Ely Cathedral Box office: 01353 667735 www.elycathedral.org/events/a-sea-symphony

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A West End-Worthy Production

Principal Simon Warburton praised the students, calling the show “worthy of the West End” and joking, “Let’s take it on tour!” The performances showcased exceptional acting, singing, and choreography, proving the dedication of the whole-school cast.

The musical’s youngest stars shone brightly, with Year 7’s Chloe Lee (Oliver) and Year 8 Alicia Clough (Artful Dodger) leading the cast. Joe Turner (Fagin), Evie Bennet (Nancy), and Eleanor Wallman (Bet) delivered powerful performances, supported by a talented ensemble.

A Celebration of Talent & Hard Work

This student-led production saw performers take charge of choreography, backstage operations, and set changes. Co-directors Jake Newton and Kate Arnold applauded the students’ commitment, as did Music Director Kate Arnold, who thanked parents, staff, and the professional pit band for bringing the show to life.

Reflecting on past productions, Year 11 students bid an emotional farewell, reminiscing about The Caucasian Chalk Circle (2024), Little Shop of Horrors (2023), and School of Rock (2022). Year 10’s Zac Tatum impressed as the menacing Bill Sikes, while Charlie Sigrist (Mr Bumble), Tom Le Gresley (Mr Sowerberry), and Findlay Paul (Charley) added humour.

Community Spirit & The Thrill of Live Theatre

Students described the final rehearsals as intensive yet rewarding, coming together during lunch breaks to perfect their performances. Asia Glory (Mrs Sowerberry) shared how the team bonded, while Ben Lithe (Mr Brownlow) reflected on their growing confidence after the dress rehearsal.

Director Jake Newton highlighted the magic of live theatre, where all elements come together just in time. Catrin Andrews (Widow Corney), performing in her final musical at Ely College, expressed gratitude to the teachers, PTFA, and backstage crew, emphasising:

“We’ve made so many new friendships this year. The song asks, ‘Where is Love?’—it’s here, in the heart of our school community.”

Media Contact: Kerri Vella, Ely College Communications Officer, kvella@elycollege.co.uk or 01353 652840

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What’s Happening Behind the Scenes?

There’s a lot that goes into reopening a community cinema and we’re covering all the essential steps, including:

Setting up the legal entity and ensuring all paperwork is in place
Managing the budget to keep the cinema running smoothly
Programming screenings so we can bring you the best films
Organising volunteers to keep things running like clockwork
Marketing and outreach to reach as many local cinema-goers as possible
Ensuring all policies are in place, including Safeguarding, First Aid, Health & Safety, Insurances and Contracts
Getting the right equipment and training in place for a professional setup

We’re also taking legal advice to ensure everything is done properly. While this takes time, it’s all part of making sure the cinema is sustainable for the long term.

When Will Ely Community Cinema Reopen?

We don’t have a confirmed reopening date yet, but as soon as we do, we’ll share an update. Rest assured, we’re doing everything we can to bring your local community cinema back to Ely as soon as possible.

Linda Neate, Ely Community Cinema

The post Where Are We Now? – Ely Community Cinema Update appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Thanks to your incredible support, we’re one step closer to reopening The Maltings Cinema!  At our second public meeting, 64 attendees joined us to share their enthusiasm and ideas, proving how much our community values this cherished venue.

Exciting Progress: Reopening Early in the New Year

We’re delighted to share the next steps in saving the cinema:

• Babylon Arts is transferring management of The Maltings Cinema to the Dawe Charitable Trust (DCT) under the new name Ely Community Cinema.
• The City of Ely Council has agreed to transfer the venue to the DCT.
• With full cooperation from Babylon Arts, we aim to reopen the cinema early in the New Year.

Volunteers: The Heart of Ely Community Cinema

We couldn’t do this without you—our amazing volunteers!  To ensure smooth operations, we’ve organised volunteer teams into five groups:

1. Public Facing
2. Screening Technical
3. Marketing & Ticketing
4. Administration
5. Friends of Cinema

Working with Peter Dawe and Linda Neate, each group will manage day-to-day activities.  We’re setting up Google Accounts for these groups and will get in touch with you soon; if you’ve volunteered but have not heard from us or want to join one of our teams, email lindaneateely@gmail.com.

What’s Next?

We’ve got our heads down right now, getting on with the transfer, but we’re already planning for the future.  Within three months of reopening, we’ll host a public meeting to gather ideas for improving Ely Community Cinema and ensuring its long-term success.

Get Involved and Stay Connected

If you have questions or suggestions or want to help, contact lindaneateely@gmail.com.  Together, we’re saving The Maltings Cinema and giving our community a cultural gem to treasure for generations to come.

Thank you for your incredible support!

Linda Neate & Peter Dawe

The post WE WILL SAVE OUR CINEMA appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

As active discussions continue with these authorities, Babylon are hopeful that negotiations will lead to a positive outcome, enabling the reopening of the gallery.

To achieve this, the organisation is seeking an investment of £50,000 per year from Local Authorities to cover core running costs. This funding would allow operations to be maintained while implementing a fresh programme of activities and services designed for the benefi t of local residents. A three-year funding commitment would help secure the long-term future of the charity, ensuring that they continue to serve the local community effectively.

A unifi ed commitment from Local Authorities would highlight the urgency of this situation and enable Babylon to secure additional match funding from other sources.
Babylon ARTS are fi nalising a comprehensive business plan that outlines their vision for combining a community focus with sustainable commercial practices. This plan includes piloting new ideas, expanding events, and providing increased support for local artists. Once completed, the business plan will be made publicly available on the Babylon ARTS website for all to review.

In addition to these efforts, Babylon ARTS is in discussions with potential partners interested in managing Babylon Cinema as a community-run independent cinema. Their priority is ensuring the cinema continues to serve Ely’s residents. However, further negotiations with key stakeholders, including the City of Ely, which owns The Maltings, are required to determine the viability of this plan.

In the meantime, Babylon invites everyone to visit the fi nal exhibition, the Winter Open, running throughout December. Featuring approximately 300 works by local artists, the exhibition showcases an eclectic mix of styles, offering something for every taste. Many pieces are affordably priced, making this an excellent opportunity to support the local arts community.

Linda McCord, Chair of Trustees, commented:
“We are committed to listening to and involving the people of Ely and beyond. We will keep everyone updated as developments unfold.”

For further updates, please visit www.babylonarts.org.uk or follow them on social media.

Photo was taken by Claire Somerville

The post Babylon Arts Encouraged by Community Support as Negotiations Continue appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

As part of the redisplay, over a third of the museum’s gallery was rehung, with fourteen recently acquired acquisitions placed on display for the first time and the number of works by women artists in the gallery also increased by more than a third. 

Amongst the new stained glass exhibits that can now be seen are artworks by Arts and Crafts pioneer Christopher Whall, Scottish modernist Douglas Strachan and leading Irish expressionist Evie Hone, modern post war German craftsmen such as Johannes Schreiter and Joachim Klos, as well as contemporary painter Hughie O’Donoghue RA and glass artist Grace Ayson. Supplementing the new 20th and 21st century displays are some beautiful 17th century domestic and heraldic pieces, enhancing the museum’s chronological permanent gallery which includes examples from the medieval period through to the present day.

The museum closed for a week in November to enable the redisplay, which was generously funded by The Headley Trust. The works were carried out by the museum’s small team of staff with carpentry assistance from local firm Coulsons, and bespoke metal frames provided by Neil Wilton of The Stained Glass Display Company.

Earlier this week The Stained Glass Museum marked this significant milestone in its history with celebration events and were honoured to have in attendance HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire Mrs. Julie Spence OBE CStJ QPM, as well as the Mayor and Mayoress of Ely, alongside many Friends, volunteers and supporters of the museum.  Several artists and conservators who have designed, made or helped conserve works on display in the gallery were also in attendance. The Lord Lieutenant, Mrs. Spence, addressed attendees – and in her speech praised the efforts of the museum’s team and highlighted the museum’s importance and significance as a cultural asset.

The event also marked the official launch of an exciting new Collections Fund – and the ambition to reach £500,000 in gifts and pledges by 2029 to help care for and further develop these unique collections and ensure they are available for future generations.

The Stained Glass Museum’s collection has grown significantly in the last forty years since the museum first opened to the public. Since 2000 the collection has evolved to include many beautiful examples from a variety of secular and sacred buildings from across the United Kingdom, Europe and beyond. Many of these acquisitions were made possible with the support of the Art Fund, the V&A Purchase Fund, and many generous individual donations.

Jasmine Allen, Curator of The Stained Glass Museum says;

“This is the largest redisplay The Stained Glass Museum has undertaken since the present gallery opened in the south triforium of Ely Cathedral in 2000. We are really pleased to have been able to showcase some of the recent acquisitions we have made to enhance and diversify the collection. We now call on those who care about the future of this precious collection to consider donating or pledging to the new Collections Fund and play a part in ensuring its survival for the future!”

The Stained Glass Museum is delighted to have reopened its doors after a major redisplay of its 20th and 21st century collections. More works than ever before are now on display in the museum’s permanent gallery, located in the south triforium of Ely Cathedral.

As part of the redisplay, over a third of the museum’s gallery was rehung, with fourteen recently acquired acquisitions placed on display for the first time and the number of works by women artists in the gallery also increased by more than a third. 

Amongst the new stained glass exhibits that can now be seen are artworks by Arts and Crafts pioneer Christopher Whall, Scottish modernist Douglas Strachan and leading Irish expressionist Evie Hone, modern post war German craftsmen such as Johannes Schreiter and Joachim Klos, as well as contemporary painter Hughie O’Donoghue RA and glass artist Grace Ayson. Supplementing the new 20th and 21st century displays are some beautiful 17th century domestic and heraldic pieces, enhancing the museum’s chronological permanent gallery which includes examples from the medieval period through to the present day.

The museum closed for a week in November to enable the redisplay, which was generously funded by The Headley Trust. The works were carried out by the museum’s small team of staff with carpentry assistance from local firm Coulsons, and bespoke metal frames provided by Neil Wilton of The Stained Glass Display Company.

Earlier this week The Stained Glass Museum marked this significant milestone in its history with celebration events and were honoured to have in attendance HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire Mrs. Julie Spence OBE CStJ QPM, as well as the Mayor and Mayoress of Ely, alongside many Friends, volunteers and supporters of the museum.  Several artists and conservators who have designed, made or helped conserve works on display in the gallery were also in attendance. The Lord Lieutenant, Mrs. Spence, addressed attendees – and in her speech praised the efforts of the museum’s team and highlighted the museum’s importance and significance as a cultural asset.

The event also marked the official launch of an exciting new Collections Fund – and the ambition to reach £500,000 in gifts and pledges by 2029 to help care for and further develop these unique collections and ensure they are available for future generations.

The Stained Glass Museum’s collection has grown significantly in the last forty years since the museum first opened to the public. Since 2000 the collection has evolved to include many beautiful examples from a variety of secular and sacred buildings from across the United Kingdom, Europe and beyond. Many of these acquisitions were made possible with the support of the Art Fund, the V&A Purchase Fund, and many generous individual donations.

Jasmine Allen, Curator of The Stained Glass Museum says;

“This is the largest redisplay The Stained Glass Museum has undertaken since the present gallery opened in the south triforium of Ely Cathedral in 2000. We are really pleased to have been able to showcase some of the recent acquisitions we have made to enhance and diversify the collection. We now call on those who care about the future of this precious collection to consider donating or pledging to the new Collections Fund and play a part in ensuring its survival for the future!”

Images © The Stained Glass Museum

About The Stained Glass Museum

The Stained Glass Museum, the United Kingdom’s only museum dedicated to the art of stained glass, is housed in the south triforium of Ely Cathedral. The museum houses an internationally significant collection of windows spanning eight centuries, illustrating the development of the art from the medieval period to the present day. HM King Charles III is the museums Patron.

For more information on the museum’s new Collections Fund, please visit https://stainedglassmuseum.com/collectionsfund

The Stained Glass Museum, South Triforium, Ely Cathedral, Ely, CB7 4DL

For more information visit www.stainedglassmuseum.com

About The Headley Trust

The Sainsbury Family Charitable Trusts run The Headley Trust for UK registered charities for projects in the following areas: arts and heritage UK, cathedrals and major churches, arts and heritage overseas, developing countries, education, and health and social welfare.Press Contact: For further information about this exhibition please contact 01353 660347 or email the Curator, Jasmine Allen curator@stainedglassmuseum.com

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In the midst of the festive season, this exhibition will be a celebration of the artistic talent in the local area. All pieces on show will be for sale with prices ranging from £60 to £150 and will be available to buy off the wall. The exhibition hopes to be a great opportunity for visitors to pick up original artworks as Christmas gifts for loved ones.

As the last exhibition at Babylon Gallery for a while, it will be a great celebration of the excellent artistic talent in the area, showcasing artists who have been part of Babylon’s journey for a long time, as well as some new names. Unfortunately, due to funding difficulties, Babylon ARTS has to pause its exhibition and cinema programme from January 2025. This pause will give the organisation time to assess the long-term viability of these programmes and explore new innovative ways to continue delivering a vibrant programme of cultural and artistic experiences.

The team at Babylon ARTS “want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible staff, volunteers, artists and local community members who have played a central role in the success of our gallery and cinema.”

‘Small, but perfect’ will include over 200 artworks, each no bigger than 160cm perimeter. Artworks will come in many different mediums, including paintings, drawings, collages, photography, and more. It promises to be a colourful and uplifting celebration of art, during the cold winter months.

‘Small, but perfect’ is on from Friday 6 December at Babylon Gallery until Sunday 22 December. Babylon Gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 4pm with free entry.

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Ann’s gallery in the visitor centre is the perfect introduction to what you can hope to experience once you take to the hides and trails to soak up the highlights that wetlands offer this season. Relax to the whispers of willow and reed swaying in the breeze, marvel at the autumnal sights and sounds and you too may even be inspired to capture your unforgettable moments in sketches or journals. 

Ann Biggs says of her inspiration taken from Welney: “Living as near to the Welney reserve as l do, it has always been my ‘go to place’ to watch and draw, recording the scenery and wildlife which in turn inspires the work that you will see in this exhibition.” 

“I love the seasons particularly winter where water battles with the land and provides an endless source of material for my work. Watching a trio of hunting peregrine on an icy, wind-swept morning is one of my most treasured memories. I hope visitors enjoy looking at my work and I look forward to meeting people at my ‘meet the artist’ sessions.”

You can meet Ann herself and find out how she creates her fantastic works with Meet the Artist days at WWT Welney:

Sat 14 September, 10am-2pm

Sat 12 October, 10am-2pm

Emma Brand, Events & Marketing Officer at WWT Welney, said: “Autumn is a fantastic time to explore the widest reaches of our wetlands before the water levels rise in winter. Making the most of late summer wildlife like dragonflies, swallows, and hobbies; whilst taking in the many changes as new wildlife arrives and colours turn across the landscape makes for an awe-inspiring season.”

“Our team are busy across the wetlands caring for the habitat and making preparations for winter, and beyond. Our volunteers are vital to not only help with these tasks but also share the seasonal splendours with our visitors.”

“We always hope that the weather will be kind and give us time to enjoy low water levels, just splashes here and there to benefit the wildlife, but not overwhelm the habitat. Right now, there is so much to experience and soak up, benefitting our physical and mental wellbeing before we head towards the shortest days of the year.”

Enjoy the last of the summer sun whilst embracing the cooling breeze of autumn by exploring the hides, summer walk, tansy trail and Lady Fen routes. With an enthusiastic team of volunteers and staff ready to share their love of wetlands in autumn, there are a range of opportunities to enjoy a helping hand if you are starting out as well as plenty of trails to find time and space to enjoy quiet moments. 

Press release from WWT Welney Wetland Centre

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Amy Wormald is an award-winning artist based in Ely. Drawing inspiration from the world around her home, her work captures the essence of wildflowers and flora in vibrant, colourful paintings. With a distinct painting style, she uses a combination of spray paint and acrylic to evoke a feeling of joy in these exuberant forms.

In her third solo exhibition at Babylon Gallery, Amy offers moments of joy and connection, using nature’s power to inspire, uplift and connect us to the world around us. The title, ‘WILD’, refers to both the unrestrained aspects of nature, and the freedom and spontaneity of the artist’s creative process.

“This exhibition is perfect for anyone wanting to feel uplifted by colour and inspired by the
energy in nature,” says Amy Wormald.

For World Sight Day on Thursday 10th October, 10:30am – 4pm, Amy will be in the gallery to talk about the exhibition, describing her paintings for those with visual impairments, and giving an insight into her creative process. Alongside this, visitors will be invited to make their own clay ornaments inspired by plants and flowers. While the day is planned for visitors with visual impairments, all are welcome to come along.

WILD is on from Wednesday 2nd October at Babylon Gallery until Sunday 3rd November 2024

Babylon Gallery is open 12 – 4pm Wednesday – Friday and 10am – 4pm Saturday and
Sunday, with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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Babylon ARTS Summer Open is an annual celebration of work created by artists from both the local area, and further afield. Following an open call for artworks, a selection panel anonymously selects works to create a balanced and varied exhibition.

This years selection panel included Jay Morally (Jay the Creator), an artist, writer and poet from South London; Madhu Manipatruni, a visual artist based in Peterborough, currently in residence at PARCA (Peterborough Asylum and Refugee Community Association); and local artist Stuart Green, who is also Babylon’s own exhibition installer and trustee.

With almost 300 artworks submitted for consideration, the panel had a difficult task. The final selection consists of 115 pieces from 83 artists, featuring both two and three dimensional works. These include portraits, florals, landscapes, abstracts, geometric patterns, wildlife and seascapes, in a wide range of styles and mediums, in an exhibition that promises to offer something for everyone!

Babylon ARTS Summer Open Exhibition 2024 is on from Friday 2nd August at Babylon Gallery until Sunday 1st September 2024.

Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Babylon Gallery’s Summer Open Exhibition returns for another year! appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Focusing on a metaphorical ‘cabinet’, it will explore the transformation of seemingly mundane materials into new forms whether in paint, found objects or mixed media pieces.

Helen uses mostly natural and organic materials, including old artworks, torn paper, metal dregs, twists of plant fibre, slate, shells, small animal bones, dried gorse, clay and tiny pebbles. They are collected by the artist who describes them as treasures that can be found everywhere.

During the process of reworking these materials possible new identities emerge, with each artwork becoming a miniature theatre in which characters and narratives can be interpreted by the viewer. The work is intended to be a playful signpost in which numerous stories can be found. The artworks themselves are often created in a grid format.

Helen works byapplying layers of materials over individually painted squares using tweezers. She aims to evoke a mood or atmosphere in the objects, to create an intuitive understanding for the viewer.

Referencing the words of Miro, “It is signs that have no exact meaning that provoke a
magic sense”.

“This exhibition is dedicated to my mum with huge love and gratitude,” says Helen Murray,

“She was a very wise and playful woman, as well as being a wickedly funny mimic, and full of love […] I have treasured memories of our time together and I hope very much she would have enjoyed this show.”

Helen is a self taught artist, and lives near the Suffolk coastline, which she finds a source of inspiration in her work. She has worked previously as an illustrator and in 2009 set up Artbox (now Artboxarts CIC) which offers art sessions for adults with special needs.

Stories from my Mother’s Cabinet is on from Thursday 4th July at Babylon Gallery until Sunday 28th July.

Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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EAST was formed in 1995 when founder member, Carol Dixon, created a group for textile artists in East Anglia who wanted to develop their creative skills and build an awareness of the beauty and power of textile art amongst a wider audience.

The group has since exhibited across England in galleries and museums. EAST exhibitions usually have an enigmatic title, with members carrying out in-depth research and preparation into their artwork.

Over the previous year, members of the group have pondered the role of women both past and present. Each of them has undertaken research across a diverse range of topics, focusing on either an individual story, or on societal trends that reflect how women’s lives have changed.

The resulting work is inspired by women who, despite their circumstances and the challenges imposed on them due to their gender, have forged a path and a way forward for themselves for others to embrace. “When viewing this exciting new exhibition, one may surmise that EAST has become the bridge – the link between our ‘women of inspiration’ and the wider audience that views the final work” says a member of EAST.

Bridging the Gap is on from Tuesday 4th June at Babylon Gallery until Sunday 30th June.

Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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When he left teaching Art and Design to produce his own work, Mark chose to paint things he likes. Having lived in East Africa, he loved the animals, the gardens, and the big leafy tropical plants. Struggling to invent a complex arrangement of leaves, he decided to make them from paper to gauge the effects of light and shadow. This was an intuitive process for him having trained as a product designer, but he describes the moment he shone a light on these paper leaves as a revelation.

With a ‘black box’ arrangement on the wall of his studio, Mark uses paper, string, clay and
all sorts of rescued items to make plants, birds and animals. He then paints these vibrant wildlife scenes emulating the style of late 17th- and 18th-century Dutch Still Life paintings.

This exhibition will include animals and scenes that can be found right outside the doors of Babylon Gallery.

Mark has spent a lot of his life around the rivers of East Anglia and has painted many swans. One particular painting called ‘Family Swansemble’ shows two swans and a cygnet, and gives the impression of being right on the river…

“…It is the relationship between the three swans that creates the intrigue, and for that you have to create your own story,” says Mark Ward about ‘Family Swansemble’,

“This I hope is true for all my pictures.”

Birds, Beasts and Even More Bendy Stuff is on from Wednesday 1st May at Babylon
Gallery until Sunday 2nd June.

Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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It features a range of poetry and artworks reflecting the artists own, sometimes bizarre, experiences over a busy and eventful year.

This upcoming exhibition at Babylon Gallery will showcase the artist’s work over the past
year. Mack Mathod began 2023 by setting himself the daunting task of writing a poem every day throughout the year. Combining the outcomes of this with illustrative work, ‘Poems, Pictures and Poppycock’ seeks to reflect the changing aspects of the world through an artist’s perspective.

Mack has had an exciting career in comedy and the arts, with a focus on the production of surreal and absurd work, whether written, performed, or visual. From touring with his own comedy troupe and appearing on TV and radio, to working with professional theatre groups, being a scriptwriter for a top comedian, and teaching art and drama in a secondary school.

Throughout his work, Mack’s ideas attempt to amuse and brighten an artistic experience,
challenging the sometimes over serious sobriety of contemporary artistic methodology. His recent exploits have involved repurposing old photographs with an absurd point of view, surreal collages, short performances, and poetry on social media.

“The main premise of absurdity is to undress the truth and replace it with clothes that do
not fit,” says Mack Mathod.

Through absurd humour coupled with serious observations, this artist has created an interesting and unusual body of work that aims to amuse and challenge through words and images.

Poems, Pictures and Poppycock is on from Wednesday 27th March at Babylon Gallery until Sunday 28th April.

Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post A Wonderfully Absurd Exhibition Comes to Babylon ARTS this April. appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

From a visit from the Secretary of State for Culture to a wonderful turnout for the official
opening event, this exhibition is off to a great start.

On Friday 1st March, Sensing Nature opened at Babylon Gallery. This multi-sensory
exhibition comprises of a variety of artwork, including sound pieces, tactile artworks that
visitors are invited to handle and touch, and visual artworks, some of which have been
translated into raised drawings. Elements of the exhibition also explore scent and taste. An
audio guide has been created for the exhibition, which guides visitors around the displays, with detailed descriptions of specific artworks.

The Secretary of State for Culture, Lucy Frazer paid a visit to the gallery on its opening day and spent time looking around the exhibition and talking to the Babylon ARTS team.

“I enjoyed meeting the team at Babylon ARTS – led by CEO Michael Corley – and exploring
the beautiful variety of creative work on display!” Lucy Frazer posted on Facebook.

On Saturday 2nd March, an official opening event was held. This was attended by composer Tom Adams, artist Kaitlin Ferguson, and many other artists who were selected from the open call. The day was a celebration of the hard work put in by so many people throughout this project, with talks given by Michael Corley, CEO of Babylon ARTS, and by two members of Basecoat Collective, the group of young curators who curated this exhibition.

“We all agreed very early on that we wanted the exhibition to have a multi-sensory aspect
to it,” said Bethany Haysom, Young Curator and member of Basecoat Collective:

“We were determined to make it a fun and accessible experience that extended beyond the traditional visual confines of an exhibition.”

Sensing Nature is part of a wider project called Inspired by Nature, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Babylon ARTS are working in partnership with Ely Museum, RNIB and the National Trust’s Wicken Fen Nature Reserve to develop creative approaches that facilitate connection and engagement with nature for people with low vision, children, young people and the wider public.

Sensing Nature is on from Friday 1st March at Babylon Gallery until Sunday 24th March.

Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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Curated by Basecoat Collective – a group of 18-25 year olds – the exhibition invited people to contemplate how they connect with nature, and includes new artwork from composer Tom Adams, artist Kaitlin Ferguson, and a selection of artworks from an open call to the local community.

Sensing Nature is part of a wider project called Inspired by Nature, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Babylon ARTS are working in partnership with Ely Museum, RNIB and the National Trust’s Wicken Fen Nature Reserve to develop creative approaches that facilitate connection and engagement with nature for people with low vision, children, young people and the wider public.

Sensing Nature encapsulates the project aims, with the exhibition celebrating nature, with
inclusivity and accessibility considered throughout. It features a sound piece created by composer Tom Adams in collaboration with participants from CamSight and Vision Norfolk; 3D printed fossils from artist Kaitlin Ferguson used in a whole-school project with pupils from Highfield Littleport Academy; and a range of multisensory artworks from an open call to the public. The exhibition has been curated by Basecoat Collective, a group of young artists and creatives from the local area aged 18-25 years.

“Inspired by Nature has been a wonderful project where creativity has been used as a vehicle to better understand, celebrate and be inspired by the unique Fenland landscape,” says Lucy Wheeler, Project Coordinator for Inspired by Nature,

“From imagining Wicken Fen in the pre-historic age with school children, to making soundscapes inspired by Fenland folklore with participants from CamSight and Vision Norfolk. Basecoat Collective have curated Sensing Nature – an intelligent, thought-provoking exhibition that has involved so many people of all ages.”

The exhibition will include access to an audio-tour, exploring some of the artwork through audio description, and raised drawings where possible, to provide further access and engagement to the 2D artworks.

Sensing Nature is on from Friday 1st March at Babylon Gallery until Sunday 24th March.
Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Local Artists and Community Come Together to Create a Multisensory Exhibition that Celebrates the Fenland Landscape. appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

On Wednesday 7th February Babylon ARTS held a prize giving ceremony, in which the winners were announced, with prizes awarded that were generously funded by Tindalls Ltd. Ely Hereward Rotary Club and Anglia Ruskin University.

Babylon ARTS is hosting the East Cambridgeshire Schools’ Exhibition for the fifteenth year running, featuring artwork by students from 20 local schools, showcasing the creative talent of children and young people (ages 4-19) in Cambridgeshire. There are 371 artworks on show, in a variety of mediums, including drawings, paintings, textiles, photography, ceramics
and multi-media work.

The schools participating are: Downham Feofees Primary Academy, Ely College, Fordham C. of E. Primary School, Isle of Ely Primary School, Kings Ely, Lantern Community Primary School, Vista Academy, Littleport Community Primary School, Mepal and Witcham Primary School, Millfield Primary School, Rackham C. of E. Primary School (Witchford), Shade Primary School (Soham), Soham Village College, Spring Meadow Infant & Nursery School,
Stretham Primary School, Weatheralls Primary School (Soham), Willburton Church of England Primary School, Witchford Village College, Robert Arkenstall Primary School
(Haddenham), St John’s Primary.

Michael Corley, chief executive of Babylon ARTS, announced the awards at a ceremony held in Babylon Galley. Prizes were awarded for First, Second and Third place in each Key Stage.

Alongside this, a new prize was awarded for the primary and secondary school with the
‘Widest Variety of Materials or Themes’. The winners received gift vouchers for Tindalls art supplies, generously funded by Tindalls Ltd., Ely Hereward Rotary Club and Anglia Ruskin University.

The schools with winners in each Key Stage were Soham Village College, Ely College, King’s Ely, Witchford Village College, Vista Academy, Littleport Community Primary School, Rackham C. of E. Primary School, Shade Primary School, Lantern Community Primary School, Spring Meadow Infant & Nursery School, Fordham C. of E. Primary School and Millfield Primary School.

The prizes for ‘Widest Variety of Materials or Themes’ went to Littleport Community Primary School and Witchford Village College.

“Babylon ARTS is delighted to celebrate the huge creative talent of the children and young people of East Cambridgeshire,” said Michael Corley, CEO of Babylon ARTS, “Choosing prize winners from the 371 entries was extremely difficult as the standards are so high. Well done to our winners, their teachers and families. Thanks to the sponsors and the members of the public who donate to us to make these events happen.”

East Cambridgeshire Schools’ Art Exhibition 2024 is on from Wednesday 7th February at
Babylon Gallery until Sunday 25th February. Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday,
12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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Led by artist Mina Heydari-Waite, people created their own ‘future artefact’. Over 350 of these artifacts will be displayed in Babylon Gallery alongside work from local artists inspired by the beauty and spirit of Wicken Fen.

Wicken Fen, one of Europe’s most important wetlands, supports an abundance of wildlife.
There are more than 9000 species, including a spectacular array of plants, birds and
dragonflies.

Taking inspiration from the site, a series of workshops led by artist Mina Heydari-Waite
explored what people might find around Wicken Fen in another 125 years, and what it
might tell them about our lives today. Participants at Burwell Carnival, Cavalry Primary School, Ely Markets, Ely Job Centre, Prospects Trust, Soham Village College and Wicken Fen sculpted their own ‘future artefacts’ using black grogged stoneware clay.

Throughout this, conversations arose about Wicken Fen, showing just how loved it is by
local people.

“I know it as a place to reconnect with my soul” said one participant,

“a place of wonderment and also of silence.”

To celebrate the work from these workshops, which took place in the summer of 2023, over
350 of these artefacts will be displayed in Babylon Gallery, alongside work from local artists inspired by the beauty and spirit of Wicken Fen.

‘Future Artefacts’ is on from 5th January 2024 at Babylon Gallery until 28th January 2024.
Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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All the pieces are for sale, with prices ranging from £60 to £150, and would make the perfect festive gift.

Due to the success of their first Winter Open in January earlier this year, Babylon Arts is
committed to providing this opportunity for local artists to participate in the exhibition and to sell their work.

With the exhibition being held in December, the gallery hopes to promote the purchase of
artworks as Christmas presents. The exhibition will feature small, but perfectly formed artworks, with prices ranging from £60 to £150. Babylon Arts hopes that the residents and visitors to Ely will be excited by the opportunity to support local artists, and find festive gifts for loved ones.

Small, but perfect is on from Thursday 30th November 2023 at Babylon Gallery until
Saturday 23rd December 2023.

Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Friday, 12pm to 4pm, and Saturday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm for the course of the exhibition, with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Babylon Arts Winter Open returns for a second year. appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

There will also be an opportunity to create ‘Fen Textures’ of your own, with a family activity in the gallery.

Carol and Bob Banks have been exhibiting at Babylon Gallery for over 10 years. This year they are delighted to be joined by Violet Shaw, Carol’s daughter. Violet is a potter in Margate, but grew up in Soham, where her late father, Peter Prigg, was a potter. Violet works with clay to produce rustic stoneware pieces that can be used and loved.

This collection of work is a journey through her memories of the flat fenland of her childhood, incorporating textures of the earth and plants in her work. One of the glazes used is from a recipe from her late fathers glaze book.

This will also be on display in the gallery, where she is happy for people to make a copy and use it in their own work.

Carol Banks grew up in the Cambridgeshire fens, and spent her childhood outside. She has always collected natural objects and uses them to influence her work. Bog oak is included in some pieces of jewellery, in a celebration of this natural occurring phenomena to fenland areas.

Bob Banks has returned to traditional drawing and painting, after a career in animation. He enjoys working quickly, using oils, pastels and iPad sketches, to capture the local landscape.

Together, their work comes together in a harmonious celebration of the fen landscape.

Fen Textures is on from Tuesday 31st October 2023 at Babylon Gallery until Sunday 26th November 2023.

Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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The Babylon Young Associates will select artworks to be exhibited in the Sensing Nature Exhibition, which will run from 28th February – 24th March 2024. All submissions will also be showcased in a virtual gallery for the duration of the exhibition. The deadline for submissions is Friday 1st December 2023.

The Babylon Young Associates are curating a multi-sensory exhibition inspired by how we
experience nature through our senses, as part of Inspired by Nature, a National Lottery
Heritage funded programme supporting more people across the Fens to get creative in
nature. Selected works will be exhibited in the Sensing Nature exhibition, which will be an immersive experience, engaging all the senses, to consider our relationship with the natural world.

The Sensing Nature Open Call invites people to participate in one (or all) of the three
challenges: Listen, Touch and Look. Submissions are encouraged in a range of styles and techniques, and from all ages and experience levels. To find out more about the challenges, please read the submission guidelines at: https://www.babylonarts.org.uk/news/view, sensing-nature-open-call_25168.htm

The exhibition theme has been conceived by the Babylon Young Associates – a group of
young creatives living locally, aged 18-25 years, who work with Babylon ARTS on projects, installations and community engagement via the arts.

Inspired by Nature is a Babylon ARTS project, in partnership with Ely Museum, RNIB and the National Trust’s Wicken Fen Nature Reserve, and has been made possible with the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, Babylon ARTS will deliver an 18-month programme developing creative approaches that facilitate connection and engagement with nature for people with low vision, children, young people and the wider public.

The deadline for entries for The Sensing Nature Challenges is Friday 1st December 2023.

Babylon ARTS will contact successful applicants by Monday 18th December if their work has been selected to be part of the Sensing Nature exhibition at Babylon Gallery next Spring.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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Nancy has taken the universal topic of food, and translated it into a delicious exhibition, featuring a selection of artists who work in a variety of styles, exploring this theme. Along with the artists’ work, the exhibition will include submissions from the recent Sunday Lunch competition, where the public will be able to vote for their favourite. From still lives, to giant sculptures, she hopes that it will be engaging to all.

“Food can be used to unify, celebrate and entice, evoking memories, smells and tastes. Life’s great meals are unforgettable – delicious home-cooked food shared with those we love is an essential pleasure,” says Nancy.

“Food can be a reflection of self, family, memories and heritage. For me a table of amazing food shared with loved ones is one of life’s great pleasures!”

Nancy is an Ely resident and has a background in Fine Art Photography. She was selected as a Babylon Young Curator earlier this year. As a curator, she is passionate about attracting new audiences to an artistic environment that connects and inspires.

The Babylon Young Curator programme offers an opportunity for young people to develop their skills and experience in bringing together exciting and innovative exhibitions with support from arts professionals.

Babylon Arts are able to run the Young Curators project due to the generous support of Arts Council England’s National Lottery Project Grants. To help Babylon Arts to keep offering projects like this for our local community they are calling for the community to donate to their charitable work via the Babylon Arts website.

A Matter of Taste is on Thursday 5th October at Babylon Gallery Sunday 29th October. Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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The exhibition which is held at the Babylon Arts Gallery in Ely, defines the philosophy of Ubuntu, derived from the Bantu languages of Africa, highlights the importance of showing compassion and humanity towards others.

Within the exhibition, Bethany Haysom included artwork from artists such as Madhu Manipatruni with a colourful piece penned “Arranged Marriage” which the artist says was “Drawn on inspiration from [my] roots in India.”

Other artists chosen by the young curator include Rosa Kelly and Alban Haysom. Describing the chosen works as “beautiful,” Bethany Haysom aims for her audience to “explore various interpretations of the title.”

The exhibition also hosts a walled drawing board where members of the public are given the opportunity to draw a pair of eyes, representing each individual in humanity. Weekend Duty Manager at Babylon Arts Theatre Susan Harrison said “The eyes are a clear way of getting people involved. They really sum up the exhibition. It’s a whole piece of artwork in itself. When asked how the exhibition educates newcomers to the notion of Ubuntu, Susan added “It speaks to people on different levels. It’s a beautiful concept.”

Encompassing the importance of celebrating the people around us, the exhibition brings with it a variety of different genres, which help to piece together the story of Ubuntu. 

The exhibition is held at The Babylon Arts Gallery until 23rd July.

More information can be found on the Babylon Arts official website: https://www.babylonarts.org.uk/gallery/view,i-am-because-we-are_24128.htm 

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The four artists who make up the Fierce Tales Collective have created a show that explores the female experience within the fenland landscape. The group covers multiple artistic disciplines including traditional oil painting, printmaking, mixed media and expressive intuitive painting. Each artist has a story to tell of art, faith, growth intertwined with their sense of mortality, all of which weave beautifully back into the seasons, whether personal or within nature herself.

Lizzie Ault @talesfromthefen

Explores female folk narratives and histories within the fenland landscape with her intricate, illustrative lino cuts, drypoint etchings and collages. From swan maidens to pagan goddesses she has painstakingly researched the folklore of the region and found stories that reflect the feminine experience and a connection with the natural world that has long been lost.

Kristin VG Bailey @notestotreasure

Using mixed media, Kristin explores faith using colour through meditative intuitive painting. Not shy of colour, the layers of paint and mark making combine to collate expressive vibrant abstract paintings. Celebrating the founding of the city of Ely, her stylised, iconastasis interpretation of Etheldreda entitled St Audrey, cradling a pink cathedra, reminds us that this city is founded on the faith of a woman. While alongside this she seeks to connect back to our locality through landscape, using bold marks and colour which is synonymous throughout her work.

Laura Pearson-Clark @artintheburrow

Observes and exaggerates the decorative patterns and bold colours found in the details of nature to create unique mixed media compositions. There’s a distinct fusion of different cultural influences seen within her work from previous travels overseas and a playful conversation between Art and Science. Nature intertwining with the recurring theme of motherhood alongside her own creative narrative does not go unnoticed.

Ella Wolfnoth @ellawolfnoth

Works in oil paint on panel, primed with traditionally made gesso. Paintings are inspired by cthe fragility and beauty of nature, weaving stories and tales into her work, with painted words, and symbolic meanings from dark fairy tales. Working in veil like layers building up the transitions of paint, from grisaille to final colour layers.

The artists have all produced individual bodies of evocative, intricate and beautiful work which on one level are deeply personal but also resonate universally. The show promises to give a unique view of life in East Anglia exploring history, nature, folklore, magic and the feminine. It is certainly one not to be missed.

Fierce Tales, Group exhibition, Wednesday 7th – Sunday 25th June (closed Mondays)

Babylon Gallery, Waterside, Ely, CB7 4AU,

T: 01353 616991

Website: www.babylonarts.org.uk,

FREE ENTRY, Accompanying free events as part of the Ely Arts Festival, www.elyartsfestival,org for full listings.

Press release from Babylon Arts

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We’re delighted to present the Ely Arts Festival 2023! We have a jam packed couple of weeks with lots of exciting events to enjoy for all the community! There’s lots of free events including 2 of our highlights with our family day full of activities and music at Jubilee Jamboree on Saturday 24th June and our big finale in collaboration with Ely Markets on Friday 30th June. Come and take part in a ceramics workshop (with a beer in hand!) at Drayman’s Sons or paint our community mural sponsored by Spotted in Ely which is popping up at various points during the festival. We’d love to see you! 

There’s also a chance to enjoy professional theatre with a performance of Robin Hood in the beautiful Bishops Garden and performances in Sessions House, Ely’s hidden gem of a venue! Family theatre will also take place in Haddenham and Ely College with a production based on Roald Dahl’s books

There are 11 participatory events to choose from this year! We have a special Father’s Day event with a Samba drumming Workshop, two professional theatre shows and, of course, our Jubilee Jamboree Free Family Day is back by popular demand. It will even feature TWO performance spaces this year! Did we mention over half our events are FREE?

The festival simply would not be possible without the generosity of all our sponsors and we’re extremely grateful for their ongoing support. 

After the success of our community concert last year, we’ll be delivering singing and art workshops to over 400 school children culminating in our Space themed concert in Ely Cathedral to open the festival with a bang including an eclectic mix of music by David Bowie, Elton John, Gustav Holst and John Williams. 

Press release from Ely Arts Festival

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Entrance is free, so do pop in and see what it’s all about. Our members will be submitting lots of their pieces and giving the public a chance to see the versatility of our craft.

The Ely Guild of Woodturners exists to enable amateurs and professionals to further the cause of woodturning and to preserve this beautiful ancient craft.

We meet on the first Wednesday of each month at the Village Hall in Little Thetford, starting at 7pm (we offer a beginners’ instruction from 6pm). Meetings usually consist of a demonstration by a visiting expert and we even squeeze in a raffle, chat and a cup of tea!

Anyone is welcome to attend two or three meetings as a guest before committing themselves to membership, which is currently just £35 per annum. 

The Guild offers a warm reception to anyone who fancies turning up and seeing what woodturning is all about. So do come along and take a peek.

Check out our website www.elyguildofwoodturners.org.uk & follow us on Twitter @ElyWoodturners. Feel free to contact Louise on publicity@elyguildofwoodturners.org.uk for more information.

Press release from Ely Guild of Woodturners

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Whether you live in Wicken, the surrounding villages or even further afield*, the Creatives Together team will welcome you to the exhibition, which is all housed under the roof of The Ceramic Hub studio at Unit 5 Wicken Yard.

Unit 5 might be in what appears to be a junkyard, but the Creatives have transformed it into a vibrant, inviting space. As well as admiring the art works, you will probably find yourself lingering longer than planned as you enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and chat to the artists about their creative journey. Remember to ask about upcoming workshops and classes!

Corinne, founder of The Ceramic Hub, has a knack for bringing out latent talent in budding potters and artists. Ceramic Hub students have gone on to produce a wide range of beautiful pottery, from small to impressive, from simple to striking, from pots to polar bears. And it’s all on display around the studio. 

As well as ceramics, the exhibition includes artwork in a diverse range of media. You will see delicate porcelain dolls, striking paintings (oil and watercolour) and unusual jewelry.

This is the only place where you can find magical charms to lift your spirits…

   and…

     For the old-fashioned, there are lots of original-artwork cards that you can send by snail-mail…

   and…

    For the ultra-modern, you might even find some 3D printed objects…

   and…

   (don’t say I didn’t warn you) Here be Dragons!

With such a wide variety of artists and media, the exhibition is sure to have something you will love. As many of the unique, hand-crafted items are for sale, you might find yourself taking home a new piece for yourself or as a very special gift.

For this exhibition, the Creatives Together team is supporting EACH. So when you buy an item from our special EACH table, 100% will be donated to the charity.

So do something different at the end of July. Bring yourself, your friends and your family to experience the Creatives Together Exhibition.

Discover our treasures and make them your own. And maybe, you too will be inspired to discover your own inner artist! 

The Creatives Together Exhibition runs from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st July at the Ceramic Hub Studio, Unit 5, Wicken Yard, 28 Stretham Road, Wicken, CB7 5XH

*Helicopters welcome as we have enough land at the back for our flying friends to land.

Also, plenty of normal parking available for cars, motorbikes, etc… 

Press release from Creatives Together

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The exhibition’s curator Nancy J Clemance worked at Babylon Gallery from 2004 to 2008. She then moved to Dorset and met artist Harland Viney, quickly becoming friends and collaborators. After 12 years, she has returned to the riverside gallery to curate Harland’s new exhibition of paintings. 

Nancy explains what drew her to Harland’s work, “I’m a proud product of the straight, flat lines of East Anglia and fed my own children on the eternity of Holkam beach and the airy broad skies of Fenland. Yet I missed and was drawn to immersing my life into the muddy curves, the lush watery lows and the sandy cliff highs of the southwest. Harland Viney’s work allows me to continue to do so.”

The exhibition focuses on Harland’s landscape paintings, exploring how flora and fauna merge into our sense of ourselves and others. Nancy said “This exhibition is here as an opportunity for you to think about how and where you want to place yourself in relation to landscape. Are you where you feel comfortable? Do you want to feel comfortable? Do you try to balance between landscapes? Does the land grow out of you or do you merge into it? Is there an imagined landscape where you see yourself fulfilled?”

On Sunday 24th July, visitors will have an opportunity to meet Harland Viney and ask any questions from 12pm to 4pm as she hosts a ‘meet the artist’ event at the gallery. Visitors to the exhibition are encouraged to take part in the mark making postcard activity to add to the community wall. Simply collect a vintage postcard of landscape and portrait and customise how you see fit, using any medium including collage, sewing or paint.

You Live in a Paradise of Your Own Creation is on now at Babylon Gallery until 4pm on Sunday 24th July. Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry. 

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Former Babylon Curator Returns to Riverside Gallery after 12 Years to present Harland Viney’s Dorset Inspired Exhibition appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

The exhibition explores the ‘Power of Stitch’, pursuing their own areas of interest, with a deliberate focus on stitch to interpret their creative journey.

Two years in the making, the group have been inspired by the English textile artist and embroiderer, Constance Howard who said, “You do not need to know hundreds of stitches, but you need to use the ones you know well.” The group has produced an exciting body of work that relies on the most fundamental of textile techniques – stitch.

EAST member Melinda Berkovitz said “EAST are delighted to showcase their exhibition in the beautiful setting of Babylon Arts Gallery.  Each artist pursues her own themes whilst celebrating the simplest of techniques, stitch! There is something for everyone to enjoy.”

Alongside the exhibition, members of the group are offering a series of talks and workshops, which encourage others to try stitch as a medium. The sessions are suitable for beginners, experts and anything in between. Stitch your own textile heart in memory of a loved one or as decoration, learn how to wrap and embellish a rock, or join qualified historical researcher, Janette Bright for a glass of wine and learn about ‘The Rise and Fall of the Tambour Hook’. To find out more, visit the Babylon ARTS website (www.babylonarts.org.uk). 

Claire Somerville said “Planning for this exhibition began just before the pandemic, and it’s been well worth the wait. The EAST members demonstrate the variety that stitch has to offer. I would highly encourage people to attend the workshops and talks on offer to give it a try for yourself!”

The ‘Power of Stitch’ exhibition is on until 4pm on Sunday 19th June. Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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#PictureEly is a free event taking place on Sunday 19th June, 10am to 3pm at Ely Market Square. The brief is to sketch, paint or photograph the city of Ely. To take part in the challenge you can be a complete beginner, an experienced artist, or anything in between.

Local artist Amy Wormald will be on hand throughout the day to offer advice, as well as running drop-in art activities for all ages to enjoy.

“If you want to take on the challenge then bring along your favourite art supplies, or if you don’t have any materials we have some packs to give away” says Amy Wormald.
“Start the challenge by visiting the Ely Arts Festival stand on Ely Market, collect your #PictureEly sticker and then it’s time to get drawing, painting or photographing! When you’ve finished your creation, simply share an image on any social media channel using the hashtag #PictureEly. Alternatively, you can bring your work back to the festival stand to be photographed and uploaded on your behalf.”

All creations submitted on the day will become part of an online gallery. Follow the hashtag #PictureEly on social media to see what’s happening and share your images. 

To find out more or to register to take part in the challenge visit www.elyartsfestival.org.

If you have any questions or would benefit from further support in order to take part, please get in touch at info@elyartsfestival.org.

Press release from Babylon ARTS for Ely Arts Festival

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His vibrant works are celebrated for their extraordinary richness and luminosity of colour and his spectacular paper cut-outs were his final triumph. Matisse: Drawing with Scissors, a Hayward Gallery Touring exhibition from the Southbank Centre features 35 posthumous prints of the famous cut-outs that he produced in the last four years of his life, when confined to his bed. It includes many of his iconic images, such as The Snail and the Blue Nudes. It comes to The Viva Theatre, Soham in April-May.

Matisse continued creating highly original works into his eighties. For his cut-outs he used paper hand-painted with gouache, which he carved into with scissors: ‘the paper cut-out allows me to draw in the colour … Instead of drawing the outline and putting the colour inside it…I draw straight into the colour’. The colours he used were so strong that he was advised by his doctor to wear dark glasses. 

The lithographic reproductions in this exhibition are taken from a special double issue of Verve, a review of art and literature, published by Matisse’s friend, the critic and fine art publisher Tériade, in 1958, four years after Matisse’s death. The publication was planned during Matisse’s lifetime and the first lithographic plates were prepared under his direction a few days before he died. 

Matisse began his working life as a lawyer, before going to Paris to study art in 1890. At first strongly influenced by the Impressionists, he soon created his own style, using brilliant, pure colours, and started making sculptures as well as paintings.

In 1905 he and his colleagues were branded the Fauves (wild beasts) because of their unconventional use of colour, and it was during this time that he painted his celebrated Luxe, Calme et Volupté (Luxury, Tranquillity and Delight).

‘There is no gap between my earlier pictures and my cut-outs’, Matisse wrote; ‘I have only reached a form reduced to the essential through greater absoluteness and greater abstraction’.

MATISSE: Drawing with Scissors Late Works 1950-1954 A Hayward Gallery Touring Exhibition. The Viva Theatre (The Loft) 23rd April – 22nd May 2022.

Press release from The Viva Theatre (The Loft)

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The exhibition brings together local Ely artist, Linda McCord with her two sisters, Helen Mangan from Dublin and Mary O’Mahony from London.

All three of the artists share a love of art and though they each enjoy different ways of creating in their home cities, their familial insh roots help them to produce works that are colourful and joyful.

Linda McCord said “This, our first exhibition, is a critical part of our art journey and the Babylon Gallery is a wonderful place to start showcasing our work. Preparing for this exhibition has helped us to focus on our creativity and has been really enjoyable. Our plan is that following this debut in Ely, we will put on an exhibition in Dublin.”

The Three Sisters Exhibition is on now at Babylon Gallery until Monday 2nd May (inclusive).

Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Three Sisters: One New Collaborative Exhibition appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

The whimsical, yet bold exhibition celebrates the freedom of character creation and invites visitors to embrace the joy of creating.

Kester Matine is a Cambridge based artist and illustrator, and was awarded an Arts Council England grant in order to fund his first solo exhibition, which features a mixture of fine art prints, sculpture and animation, as well as an interactive character creation station.

Kester took part in Babylon ARTS’ annual Summer Open exhibition in 2021. Chief Executive, Claire Somerville said “Kester’s work immediately caught my eye during our Summer Open exhibition 2021 – we rarely see character creation and digitally produced art, as a medium at Babylon Gallery. It’s such a fun, vibrant exhibition that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. I’d highly recommend trying out Kester’s character creation station and add your character to our growing community wall!”

Kester uses a range of media and processes to create bold, colourful characters that capture different moods and emotions. His work often starts with random shapes and lines which become whimsical characters through free flowing drawing techniques. 

His work encourages people to interact with his characters in different ways and to experience the joy of creating characters themselves. As part of the exhibition, there is a free, craft activity for all ages to enjoy, where visitors can have a go at making their own colourful characters to go on the Babylon Gallery wall.

Throughout the duration of the exhibition, Kester has been working on a large-scale painting in the space, to give visitors the opportunity to understand his process. Kester said “I’m delighted to showcase my works at Babylon Gallery. The response from visitors so far has been wonderful. I think everyone, at any age, appreciates being given the freedom to explore and play creatively. I’m excited for what the future holds!”

The Joy of Play exhibition is on now at Babylon Gallery until Sunday 20 March. Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry. 

Following this exhibition, the Babylon Gallery will host Ely Art Lovers Workshop and their exhibition called Cornucopia. Opening Tuesday 22nd March at midday.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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Caroline Cawley, Arts Centre Manager said “We are happy to receive this funding and are very grateful to Arts Council England and DCMS who have continued to support our ongoing recovery. We recognise that the past year has been difficult for so many small businesses and charities so we’ve been so happy to welcome back visitors to our community arts centre. Over the coming months this funding will help us to support artists and makers and make our events even more accessible to local people – so keep a look out for the range of community events and collaborations we’ll be offering this Christmas and into the new year. We’ve just announced our Christmas Kindness Cabin working with Re-Imagine – full details on our website: http://www.haddenhamartscentre.org.uk”

Haddenham Arts Centre are among 925 recipients to benefit from the latest round of awards from the Culture Recovery Fund.

More than £100 million has been awarded to hundreds of cultural organisations across the country including Haddenham Arts Centre in the latest round of support from the Culture Recovery Fund, the Culture Secretary announced today.

The third round of funding will support organisations from all corners of the sector as they deal with ongoing reopening challenges, ensuring they can thrive in better times ahead.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: “Culture is for everyone and should therefore be accessible to everyone, no matter who they are and where they’re from.”

“Through unprecedented government financial support, the Culture Recovery Fund is supporting arts and cultural organisations so they can continue to bring culture to communities the length and breadth of the country, supporting jobs, boosting local economies and inspiring people.”

Over £1.2 billion has already been awarded from the unprecedented Culture Recovery Fund, supporting around 5000 individual organisations and sites across the country ranging from local museums to West End theatres, grassroots music venues to festivals, and organisations in the cultural and heritage supply-chains.

Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England, said: “This continued investment from the Government on an unprecedented scale means our theatres, galleries, music venues, museums and arts centres can carry on playing their part in bringing visitors back to our high streets, helping to drive economic growth, boosting community pride and promoting good health. It’s a massive vote of confidence in the role our cultural organisations play in helping us all to lead happier lives”.

Press release from Haddenham Arts Centre

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The BFG in Pictures is a touring exhibition from House of Illustration, featuring reproductions of Quentin Blake’s illustrations for Roald Dahl’s much-loved story The BFG.

The exhibition, curated by Quentin Blake, contains 40 reproductions, including illustrations not used when the book was first published in 1982. They chart the development of one of the most iconic characters in children’s literature and provide a glimpse of a BFG that might have been.

These are exhibited alongside reproductions of the final illustrations for the book, providing a fascinating insight into the collaboration between author and illustrator.

Quentin Blake says: “Roald Dahl and I were brought together by our publisher in the 1970s. Roald was an extraordinarily interesting person and a man of action, which is why he was so good at telling stories. He liked to tell stories about things happening, rather than about what people are thinking or feeling, which was wonderful for me to draw. Roald’s The BFG was first published by Jonathan Cape in 1982 in a hardback edition for which I did black-and-white illustrations and a design in colour for the cover. Since then the BFG and Sophie have appeared in a variety of books and situations. For this exhibition I have selected images from different versions of the BFG, starting with my first illustrations which remained unpublished for thirty years.”

Claire Somerville, chief executive of Babylon Arts added: “The exhibition at the Baylon Gallery, includes a creative activity for visitors to add a dream they would like to share, to a collection of ‘dream jars’ inspired by the story of the BFG. Suitable for all ages, the Gallery hopes to fill their shelves with colourful dreams and aspirations. 

This exhibition is a really exciting one for us, as we get to bring the iconic work of Quentin Blake to Ely for the first time. The exhibition will be a great opportunity for people to get up close to these wonderful drawings and be inspired to read the book again. This is the first time we’ve worked with the House of Illustration and we’re delighted to be able to bring this important collection to rural Cambridgeshire.”

The BFG In Pictures exhibition is on at Babylon Gallery, Ely from Tuesday 23rd November until Thursday 23rd December and is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry. 

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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The gallery walls are filled with 137 watercolour paintings, the combinations of water with pigment results in a range of compositions, techniques and styles. All framed paintings are for sale, as well as a large collection of unframed works. Artists cards are also available to purchase.

The SEAW was initially set up by Richard Sorrell NEAC RBA PPRWS, President of the Royal Watercolour Society (2006-9). Its Patron, Lillias August RI is a member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours and a multi-award winning artist. “I am very happy to be the SEAW Patron; there are so few regional societies that promote water-based media,” she says. “Watercolour is such a varied and challenging medium that can be used in so many interesting ways – experimental and traditional; quick and slow; realistic and abstract; controlled and loose; translucent and opaque …”

Following their call for watercolour works, the SEAW had a record number of submissions from members, ‘friends’ of the Society and non-members. The SEAW are regular exhibitors at the Gallery, however due to Covid were unable to exhibit last year. 

Babylon ARTS’ Chief Executive Claire Somerville said “We’re committed to supporting local artists and groups by showcasing their works and we’re delighted to be able to host the Society of East Anglian Watercolourists for another year at the Babylon Gallery. The variety of works is astonishing, and shows what’s possible through the medium of watercolour.”

Alongside their exhibition, SEAW are offering a series of watercolour workshops with varying themes throughout September, to encourage beginners and professional artists to explore the possibilities of watercolour as a medium. There are spaces available, so people can visit the Babylon ARTS website: www.babylonarts.org.uk to book a place. 

The Society of East Anglian Watercolourists’ Exhibition WaterWays is on now at Babylon Gallery until Sunday 26th September and is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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Following the success of Ely’s first Window Wanderland, The Stained Glass Museum and Babylon ARTS have teamed up again to encourage Ely residents to transform Ely’s streets by making an illuminated window display as part of Ely’s second Window Wanderland event.

Window Wanderland is a fun family-friendly event, that sees communities create illuminated displays in windows. People can use the street-facing windows of their home, business, school, nursery, car, shop, or even their door, or front garden. A map showing the locations of illuminated window displays is then created to form an after-dark walking trail and community event, transforming local streets into galleries.

Ely’s first Window Wanderland was held in October 2020. More than 140 homes and businesses participated, lighting up their windows with some amazing creative displays. Feedback from last year’s event was fantastic, enjoyed by all ages, and there was an overwhelming response that it should become an annual event.

This year, Ely’s Window Wanderland will take place over three evenings – Friday 22nd, Saturday 23rd, and Sunday 24th October 2021. Everyone is encouraged to get involved by illuminating their street-facing windows between 6pm and 9pm, creating an after-dark walking trail of glowing windows.

Jasmine Allen, Director & Curator at the Stained Glass Museum commented: “We were so impressed at the amazing creativity window displays the people of Ely created for last year’s event, and we would love to get even more people involved in this year’s event. Taking part is free and last year’s event was so enjoyable for children and adults alike!”

If you’re planning on transforming a window for Ely Window Wanderland please sign up on our Window Wanderland event page [ https://www.windowwanderland.com/event/ely-cambs-2021/ ] so that we can create a map of participants on our website. Then get planning your window display! If you have any questions please refer them to: Elywindowwanderland@gmail.com

Claire Somerville, Chief Executive of Babylon ARTS added: “If you’re wondering what to make, it can be as simple or as spectacular as you like, as long as it’s family friendly. You can use silhouettes, carefully-crafted tissue paper or tracing paper images, make a sign, handprints, or a projector. We are especially encouraging participants to use recycled or eco-friendly materials this year.“

For ideas and inspiration have a look at our Ely’s Window Wanderland 2020 gallery on Spotted in Ely or go to the Window Wanderland website [https://www.windowwanderland.com/gallery/].

For tips go to [https://www.windowwanderland.com/make/].

Some of the nice things local people said about Ely Window Wanderland 2020

• “Such a brilliant idea! Great to get involved in, to view the work of others too, to get families out walking together, and encourages a feeling of belonging to our community!”

• “Was a really lovely event, thoroughly enjoyed it and it was accessible and appropriate for all ages – brilliant!”

• “This was a fantastic event! The opportunity to do something as a community was wonderful and uplifting … The variety of window displays was truly inspirational and we would love to see this added to the list of regular annual events in Ely”

• “I was amazed by the creativity on show. I didn’t expect it to be as good as it was… the surprise element was also lovely. Thank you so much for organising this wonderful event. We enjoyed it tremendously.”

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Ely’s Window Wanderland is back! appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

In it’s twelfth year, the exhibition includes artworks in a variety of mediums from over 200 children and young people from eleven schools across East Cambridgeshire, with drawings, paintings, textiles, photography, ceramics and multi-media work. The exhibition is supported by Tindalls Ltd and Ely Hereward Rotary Club, with funding from Postcode Neighbourhood Trust, a grant-giving charity funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. 

The schools involved are; Downham Feoffees Primary Academy, Weatheralls Primary School in Soham, Littleport Community Primary School, Ely College, Kings Ely, Lantern Primary, Witchford Village College, Rackham C. of E. Primary School in Witchford, Littleport & East Cambs Academy, Bottisham Village College and Wilburton Primary School. 

Ely Hereward Rotary Club President, Christine Gascoigne announced the awards in the online ceremony via YouTube alongside Babylon ARTS’ Chief Executive Claire Somerville. This year’s winners received vouchers for art materials, donated by Tindalls Ltd and Ely Hereward Rotary Club.

The winners were:
Isaac H (Lantern Primary School);
Francesca R (Rackham C of E Primary School);
Bethany H (Littleport Community Primary School);
Esme S (Littleport Community Primary School);
Martha P (Rackham C of E Primary School);
Caitlyn V (Littleport Community Primary School);
Annabel H (Littleport Community Primary School);
Ajay C (Lantern Primary School);
Elodie B (Littleport Community Primary School);
Madeleine C (Bottisham Village College);
Tia H (Littleport and East Cambs Academy);
Lucy B (Witchford Village College);
Maria A (Ely College);
Haya H (Bottisham Village College);
Eleanor S (Witchford Village College);
Christina D (Kings Ely);
Katherine W (Kings Ely);
Molly W (Kings Ely).

The Curator’s Prize was awarded to Suzanna S (Bottisham Village College). 

Claire said “Congratulations to all of the prize-winners and everyone who has work exhibited this year. We’re so proud to host the East Cambridgeshire Schools’ Art Exhibition at Babylon Gallery and are always impressed by the level of creativity and talent by the young artists in the district.”

 A recording of the awards ceremony is available to watch on the Babylon ARTS website www.babylonarts.org.uk and available to watch below.

The East Cambridgeshire Schools’ Art Exhibition is on now at Babylon Gallery until 1st August, open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon Arts

The post East Cambridgeshire Schools’ Art Exhibition Award Winners Announced appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Annie Brown: “I relocated to the edge of the Cambridgeshire Fens in 2003 and taught myself to needle-felt, developing blending techniques, and using unconventional materials. After an inspirational visit to Woolfest, Cumbria, hand-dyeing the wool became part of my practice. With my stockman husband, I’ve started a wool only flock of rare breed sheep, giving me a constant supply of different textures and natural colours.” Annie continues; “I’ve always been inspired by the landscape and the nature within it, its transience, and the beauty of its imperfections. Through this, I provide her audience with a moment of stillness and tranquility.” 

Ruth E Blundell: “I’ve lived most of my life in the Fens. I believe passionately in the importance of creativity for each and every one of us – in whatever form this may take – as a means of self-expression and exploration of our inner worlds and the outer world. Landscape and wildlife have been a constant source of inspiration for my art. Regular visits to art galleries and museums in the U.K. and further afield has also informed my artwork, as has my participation in various art-making groups.” 

Di Cope: “I live and work in the Fen-edge village of Burwell, in rural Cambridgeshire. I paint in a realistic style and take inspiration from the landscape of my daily surroundings; painting things that make me happy. I hope the viewer of my paintings can find themselves briefly transported to a peaceful land of eternal summer.” Di continues; “The East Anglia of my work is fresh, fertile and verdant; often depicting the big skies the area is famous for, and still, tranquil but living waterways. I’m always drawn to nature’s form seen in trees, and wildflowers growing as and where they will, I hope that my paintings lift the spirits.” 

Annie Neild: “I grew up in rural Cumbria, creating art inspired by nature from an early age. I now live with my family in Cambridgeshire and have grown to love the Fens, which offer a stark contrast to the countryside of my childhood and inspired me to begin making art again several years ago. I enjoy experimenting with a variety of textile media; most recently wet felting and hand embroidery. I also draw with archival ink pens and acrylic inks on calico. The light and lines of the Fenland landscape inform my work – the ever-changing skies, layers and blocks of colour, and the imprint made on the land by man continue to fascinate and provoke a creative response.” 

Running until 11th July, visitors will see paintings on canvas and paper, felted works and drawings on fabric. Edge of the Fens offers a variety of perspectives on the unique landscape of the local area. For more information visit www.babylonarts.org.uk.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Living on the Edge – Babylon Gallery hosts the work of four artists inspired by the Fens appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

In 2020 the open call attracted over 120 artists, with more than 300 artworks submitted for consideration.

This year, thanks to the Covid relief funding that Babylon ARTS has received through the Culture Recovery Fund, there will be no submission fee for artists. All visual arts are welcome, including (and not limited to): photography, painting, illustration, digital media, mixed media, textiles, ceramics, glassware and more. The Gallery hopes to once again fill its walls and plinths with art works.

Claire Somerville, chief executive of Babylon ARTS stated: “We’re really looking forward to receiving submissions for this years’ Summer Open. It’s open to all artists over 16 and we
particularly want to encourage people from Cambridgeshire, West Suffolk and West Norfolk to apply and those from traditionally under-represented backgrounds, such as D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse artists and artists from minority ethnic backgrounds.”

Claire continues: “This year we’ve formed a new selection panel to review all the submissions, comprising: Olu Taiwo, a Babylon Young Curator and Black artist from Boston, Lincs; Sid White-Jones, also a Babylon Young Curator and photographic artist; Iwona Smyk, Ely-based synesthetic abstract painter; Liz Falconbridge, curator, mentor and arts professional; and Stuart Green, experienced artist, arts educator and exhibition installer.”

The deadline for submissions is midday Monday 12th July.

The exhibition will run from Thursday 5th to Sunday 30th August. More information can be found on: http://www.babylonarts.org.uk

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Babylon ARTS Launches an Open Call for Artists to Submit Work for Their Annual Summer Open Exhibition appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

The redevelopment scheme saw a complete stripping back of the building’s inside, removing modern walls and finishes to reveal original features and expose many areas and parts of the building which had been hidden from view in modern times. The new design boasts large, flowing open spaces, studded with the building’s original windows which bring in plenty of natural light, making the exhibition areas bright and airy throughout.

To the rear, the original Vernon Cross room has been repurposed to provide staff offices and facilities, storage and a new atrium with stairs and a lift, providing all important access for those with mobility needs, as well as pushchairs etc. Above this area is a fantastic new multi-purpose space, The Aedwen Room, which will host education workshops, community events and is available for private hire.

The exhibits are arranged with downstairs covering the pre-drainage fens and prehistory, with the upstairs displays covering the area following the extensive drainage works, which began in the 1630s. The new exhibits are laid out chronologically, taking you on a journey through Ely’s history all the way up to modern times. The downstairs exhibit features a fun design on the floor with images and symbols related to the nearby displays and creates a fantastic trail through the exhibit. The design is engaging and considered, with slick presentation and plenty of easy to digest material for all audiences. The displays are interspersed with multimedia content and tactile “touch and feel” materials throughout, sure to entertain children and help them to connect with the history in a visceral way.

Interactive exhibits, fun for all ages, are location throughout the exhibits. These include audio boxes and a fruit and veg stand. A series of 4 fun leaflet-based trails are also available from reception, sure to provide even more entertainment for the little ones. The Wise Woman’s Hut on the ground floor offers a place to sit and watch local fen folk tales brought to life through 3 wonderful animations, with authentic fen accent narration throughout, whilst upstairs you can listen to the stories of 5 local people who were imprisoned at the Old Gaol, inside what was originally the Debtors’ Jail.

The exhibition covers a wide range of subjects from dinosaurs, fossils and creation of early tools (including a fascinating video about the making of flint tools) to peat digging, fen lifestyles and drainage, Ely’s military history, trade, local culture and more. The final stop on the upper floor is “The Hub”. This area contains seating and touch-screen terminals where you can search through the museum’s catalogue of artefacts, many of which are not on current display. There is also a wealth of old and some more recent historical photographs on a variety of subjects, including many of Ely itself. The terminals also feature a selection of videos, many of which link to items/themes around the museum (you are directed to these as you go around) and are complemented by a range of books and reading materials.

Of course no museum visit would be complete without a visit to the gift shop and Ely Museums’ does not disappoint. There is a fantastic range of gifts, books and other mementos with something for all ages and tastes, from gemstones to paper-craft dinosaur kits, books by local authors, jewellery, keyrings and much more besides.

Ely has always had a strong offering for tourists, visitors and residents alike with Ely Cathedral, The Stained Glass Museum and Oliver Cromwell’s House – the new Ely Museum adds a modern, enjoyable and top-class fourth attraction and truly has done Ely proud.

Visit Ely Museum’s website now to book your tickets!

You can also watch our facebook live streamed tour (27 minutes) from opening day, Fri 21st May, 2021
with Emily, Ely Museum’s Community Engagement Officer

The post Ely Museum reopens, following its £2.2m redevelopment appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

After the enforced break in 2020 due to Covid, a new volunteer committee has formed to bring together arts and cultural events and activities to celebrate how the creative ‘spirit of the Fens’ has endured through this challenging time.

Ely Arts Festival will take place between 12th and 27th June; including a range of events organized by local groups and the festival committee. Opening the festival period, Britten Sinfonia will be presenting Surround Sound: Ely Playlist at Ely Cathedral on Saturday 12th June.

19th June, will see the Festival’s title event: Spirit of the Fens, bringing together live music from the Lantivet Duo; with recorded performances from local school and community choirs and a unique view over Ely from drone footage accompanied by music.

On 26th June the Festival will present Jubilee Jamboree – A free family day of drop-in craft activities, a teddy bears’ picnic with ‘Shake-Rattle and Roll’ and music from the bandstand in Jubilee Gardens.

On the final day of the festival, Sunday 27th June, Babylon ARTS are bringing Lamphouse Theatre to Jubilee Gardens with two, free performances of their Suitcase Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet show, suitable for all the family.

This is just a taste of some of the events taking place, the full programme including: live comedy at St Mary’s Church from The Library Presents; Fen Speak online open-mic poetry night and family fun at Ely Museum is on elyartsfestival.org.

Festival Committee Chairperson, Chris Parsons explains what’s been happening in the lead-up to this event: “We are delighted to present a refreshed and relaunched Ely Arts Festival this 2021! A small team of volunteers have been working tirelessly to bring an exciting series of wide-ranging events that are accessible, engaging and feature a range of different art forms. To ensure the safety of all our audience members, all COVID requirements will be adhered to.

“We believe that the arts are needed more than ever before to bring communities back together to enjoy the vibrant arts scene of East Cambridgeshire. We are especially keen to engage with families and young people and we hope that our festival offers something for everyone! Whether it’s enjoying a children’s Teddy Bears Tea Picnic concert in Jubilee Gardens, being part of the ‘Fen Stitch Together’ quilt or enjoying an afternoon of outdoor Shakespeare; we’re determined to showcase the wealth of local creativity this area has to offer. The festival will also shine a light on some amazing projects that have taken place during lockdown from local groups who showed that the arts didn’t stop! We want to celebrate the enduring, creative spirit of the fens.”

Chris goes on to state: “We want to take this opportunity of relaunching the festival to thank members of the original festival committee who worked tirelessly to organise the event each year; particularly former chairperson Shelia Friend-Smith and former treasurer Jackie Moakes. Without their determination over many years of involvement, the festival wouldn’t be here today.”

The Ely Arts Festival 2021 is sponsored by Lovewell Blake Chartered Accountants, Busy Bee Recruitment, Poet’s House and Silver Oak Coffee. The Festival Committee will also be launching a crowdfunding campaign in the coming weeks, so watch out for more details in how you can support the arts in the local area.

Everyone is invited to enjoy this years’ festival, with opportunities for all ages. Indeed, people can begin now, by participating in the ‘Fen Stitch Together’ community quilt project, led by festival committee member and artist Louise Beale. Everyone is welcome to contribute to a quilt project that would act as a memorial to the shared positive experiences of the pandemic.

Louise Beale, a local artist, will work with local schools to give children an opportunity to make their own textiles square to be included on the quilt. Find out more here:
https://www.elyartsfestival.org/whats-on/fen-stitch-together.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Ely Will Be Celebrating the Spirit of the Fens, with Refreshed Arts Festival this June appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Five new artworks have been created in response to a historical weather diary written in 1963 by Betty Mann, a lifelong resident of Soham in Cambridgeshire. Some of these artworks have taken their inspiration from The Big Freeze, a particularly treacherous weather event which occurred in 1963. Visitors to the exhibition can expect to see variations on the winter landscape with abstract depictions of mist, frost, ice and snow. 

The five artists presenting their work are: Amber Lawrence a sculptor, printmaker and installation artist, who has created a sculptural representation of the temperature data recorded by Betty Mann, from each day of the year in 1963; Eleanor Wood an artist, who has produced a series of contemporary works on paper that respond abstractly to the age and feel of Betty Mann’s weather diary; Mari French an abstract painter, who has created a series of nine mixed-media artworks responding to observations of winter through windows; Mark Tamer who is an experimental photographer, working with both analogue and digital mediums, is presenting a visual interpretation of 30 days in January 2021 from his own diary as he records his vestibular migraine attacks that impact his everyday life; and Simon Nunn a filmmaker who has contributed a video using archival footage of Soham and its surrounding fens landscape, combining past time festivities in the village with weather patterns shot digitally. 

The exhibition has been curated by Sid White-Jones, as part of the Babylon Young Curators’ programme, in which young, aspiring creatives stage an exhibition with guidance from experienced mentors. Young Curator, Sid White-Jones explains – “I wouldn’t have believed back at the start of lockdown last year, that I’d later be given the chance to curate my own exhibition with the support of the Babylon ARTS’ team. I’ve really enjoyed the process and I can’t wait to see what people think of the exhibition.” 

In addition to being able to visit the exhibition at the Babylon Gallery in person, people can also explore No Frost at Night via a virtual tour. 

Claire Somerville, chief executive Babylon ARTS added; “We wanted to make sure that even if we had further lockdowns due to Covid, our Young Curators would have the opportunity to install their exhibitions at the Babylon Gallery and that people would still be able to see them, even if only online. Happily, we can open the exhibition with our Covid secure measures in place from 23rd April, so people will have two ways to see the work.” 

The exhibition at the Babylon Gallery runs from midday 23rd April to 23rd May. The virtual tour will be available for the coming year. Visit babylonarts.org.uk for more information. 

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Babylon Gallery reopens with Exhibition of Five Brand New Works Inspired by Diary Kept by Soham Resident appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

To celebrate The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race coming back to Ely, we commissioned artist Clare Barry, to design three new window displays for the Babylon Gallery depicting The Boat Race, past and present.

The display is created using card and coloured tissue paper and is illumated from the inside in the evenings, for people to enjoy on their socially distanced walks along the riverside.

Clare Barry, who produces a range of products featuring her designs, under the name Sea Teasel, is one of the artists featured in the Babylon Gallery’s gift shop. Clare also created the wonderful ‘Alphabet of Ely‘ over the November lockdown, which brought a lot of pleasure to passersby. 

The display will be in place until at least the end of April, whilst we prepare to re-open the Babylon Gallery on Monday 17th May.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Babylon’s Brilliant Boat Race appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Sadly none of us will be able to support the event directly as no spectators will be allowed.

Let’s show our support for the event and our pride in our city by doing something creative instead.

Calling all the talented artists and photographers we know are out there!

Produce a photograph or an artwork (in any medium) which:

• Celebrates the history of the event
• Celebrates our pride in the city of Ely
• Celebrates The River Ouse
• Celebrates rowing in Ely
• Celebrates women’s rowing
• Celebrates sport in Lockdown
• Or….supports one or other side of the competition! (Oxford or Cambridge)

To enter

 We will be open for entries from Monday March 22nd to Sunday April 25th. 

Go to our website:   Community Art Project – Ely Rotary (rotaryclubely-hereward.org) and submit a photograph of your work.

All entries will be put together into a slide show which the club will put on our website and on social media and will give to the race organisers and press outlets.

When restrictions allow, it will be screened at the Babylon Gallery.

Ely Boat Race

Things you probably didn’t know!

Boat Race History

The race was started by Charles Merivale and Charles Wordsworth in 1829.  The two had rowed together at Harrow and were close friends but Merivale went to St John’s college Cambridge and Wordsworth to Christ Church college Oxford.   Rowing together on the Cam during the university vacation they decided that Cambridge would challenge Oxford to a race “at or near London each in an eight-oared boat during the ensuing Easter Vacation”.  The challenge was promptly accepted, though the race took place at Henley, and Oxford won convincingly.  The winning boat is on show at the rowing museum in Henley.

Races took place erratically and at a number of sites over the first 25 years but since 1845 it has always been run over the Putney to Mortlake stretch of the River Thames except for 1944 when it took place between Queen Adelaide and Littleport on the Great Ouse –  as it will again in 2021!  Since 1856 it has been an annual event except during war and, last year, Covid.  The race of 2021 will be the 166th.

The current “score” is  Cambridge 84 to Oxford 80 and one “dead heat” in 1877.  The Thames can get rough in strong winds and there have been six sinkings.  

Light Blue v Dark Blue

The now familiar university “colours” originated with the boat race.  In the first race half of the Oxford crew were from Harrow and rowed in their school colours of dark blue.   The following year the largest contingent in the Cambridge boat were from Caius college and they adopted the college colours of light blue – though in 2011 the light blue became somewhat more green!    These colours became linked to competitions between the two univesities and eventually to all university sport.  To “get a blue” – indicating that you have represented your university in sport – is still a great honour. 

Links between the boat race and Ely

Charles Merivale became a prominent historian and then Dean of Ely cathedral, a post he held for 24 years until his death in 1893.  There is a plaque in his memory in the South transept of the cathedral.

In 2008 the Cathedral marked the 200th anniversary of his birth with a gathering of his descendants and those of Charles Wordsworth and a race using replicas of the 1829 boats.

In 1944 the race was switched to Ely because of the risk of V1 flying bombs, large numbers of which hit London in the final year of the war.   

In 2004 The “Diamond 44” group re-enacted this event, with locals in period costume, a spitfire flypast and veteran rowers from Oxford and Cambridge in the audience.   They didn’t re-enact the result though – Oxford won in 1944, Cambridge in 2004!

Rowing in Ely 

The 5km stretch of the Great Ouse between Queen Adelaide and Littleport is ideal for rowing, dead straight, carrying little river traffic and wide enough for two full sized “eights” side by side.  It has been used for many years as a training ground for elite rowers including University and Olympic crews.

In Victorian times rowing was a popular leisure activity and in the1890s there were no fewer than five rowing clubs in Ely.

The current Ely Rowing Club was formed in 2004 as part of the “Diamond 44” project and their logo reflects this with four diamonds in both Oxford and Cambridge blue.

Their inaugural president was Martin Whitworh who had rowed at 4 for Cambridge in 1944.

They now have about 150 members and host a national competition annually – the Great Ouse Marathon  – which finishes down the Queen Adelaide “straight”.

Isle of Ely Rowing Club website: Ely rowing club

Womens rowing

The womens boat race was founded in 1927 but raced only intermittently until the 1960s.  It was subject to considerable hostility from the men – and hampered by very impractical clothing!     

From 1935 it was raced over a half mile course on either the Cam or the Isis and in 1977 the length was doubled to a mile and the race became part of Henley regatta.

Since 2015 it has been raced over the same course and on the same day as the men’s race.

2021 will be the 75th women’s race.

The early crews were formed entirely of students from Newnham College,  later joined by Girton – at that time the only Cambridge colleges to admit women.

Newnham is now the only remaining all womens college but remains prominent in rowing and currently holds the women’s “Head of the River” position.  The college celebrates its 150th anniversary this year.

The crews

All crew members have to be full time degree students at the respective universities and they train six days a week on top of their normal academic work. 

Both men and women now have reserve crews.  So there are now four races on race day.  Lightweight teams compete separately at Henley.

Press release from Ely Hereward Rotary Club

The post Showcase Ely’s Boat Race – Join Ely Hereward Rotary Club’s Community Art Project appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Art Unlocked is a new online group aimed at secondary school Years 7-11 who want to explore the art world in new and interesting ways.

What is it?…..The Stained Glass Museum is launching a brand new weekly online group for teenagers in secondary school years 7-11.

Art Unlocked is a pilot programme for those who want to explore the art world in new and interesting ways. Through workshops led by our Curator and Learning & Community Engagement Manager Art Unlocked is designed to encourage young people to engage with art and enabling them to:

* Have fun
* Share ideas
* Improve knowledge
* Develop new skills
* Make new friends

Each week’s session will take a different theme, with an ‘object in focus’ presentation, discussion and activity integrating craft and practical based arts which could include creative writing and poetry, music, dance and drama. No previous arts knowledge is required!

We will be running the first two pilot sessions online in March on the following days:

 * Tuesday 16th March -16:30 -18:00PM
 * Tuesday 23rd March -16:30 -18:00PM

Please note spaces are limited and we would like interested participants to attend both sessions.

You can sign up via our website using the link below: https://thestainedglassmuseum.com/artunlocked

Press release from The Stained Glass Museum

The post Art Unlocked at The Stained Glass Museum appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

As the country warms up following the recent cold snap, Babylon ARTS announces the five East-Anglian artists who have each been awarded a commission to produce a brand-new artwork for presentation at the Babylon Gallery later this spring.

The new artworks will be created in response to a historical weather diary written in 1963 by Betty Mann, a lifelong resident of Soham in Cambridgeshire. Some of these artworks will take their inspiration from The Big Freeze, a particularly treacherous weather event which occurred in 1963. Visitors to the exhibition can expect to see variations on the winter landscape with abstract depictions of mist, frost, ice and snow.

Following a successful open-call in December 2020, the five selected artists are:

Amber Lawrence a sculptor, printmaker and installation artist, who will be creating a sculptural representation of the temperature data recorded by Betty Mann, from each day of the year in 1963.

Eleanor Wood an artist, who is producing a series of contemporary works on paper that respond abstractly to the age and feel of Betty Mann’s weather diary.

Mari French an abstract painter, who will create a series of mixed-media artworks on panel responding to observations of winter through windows.

Mark Tamer who is an experimental photographer, working with both analogue and digital mediums and will be presenting a visual interpretation of 30 days in January 2021 from his own diary as he records his vestibular migraine attacks that impact his everyday life.

Simon Nunn a filmmaker will be contributing a video using archival footage of Soham and its surrounding fens landscape, combining past time festivities in the village with weather patterns shot digitally.

Selected artist Simon Nunn said “The call-out for the No Frost at Night exhibition spoke to me as an artist, but also as a resident living in this extraordinary part of the country. Betty’s diaries capture her unique weather reports, as well as offer us a viewpoint from which we can look to explore the societal changes in customs, our relationship with each other, and with the landscape.”

The exhibition will be curated by Sid White-Jones, as part of the Babylon Young Curators’ programme, in which young, aspiring creatives stage an exhibition with guidance from experienced mentors. Young Curator, Sid White-Jones explains – “On the surface, Betty Mann’s meticulous weather diary presents its readers with an uninterrupted insight into the weather patterns that were experienced by those living in The Fens in 1963. However, there is far more to be found hidden within its pages and artists Amber, Eleanor, Mari, Mark and Simon will each use their respective mediums to draw out these unique elements from within the historical record.”

Alongside, revealing the five artists for ‘No Frost at Night’ exhibition, Babylon ARTS also announced that Central England Co-operative, who are opening a new store in Sutton shortly, have come onboard as new partner for the Babylon Young Curators project. 

Claire Somerville, chief executive Babylon ARTS added; “It’s great to have the support of local businesses and we’re delighted that Central England Co-operative have made a donation towards the two exhibitions that our young curators, Olu Taiwo and Sid White-Jones, are currently organising. We hope this may be the start of a positive relationship between our charity and this new local Co-operative store.”

Find updates on the exhibition by visiting the Babylon ARTS website. You can also stay up to date with their latest news and opportunities by signing up to their mailing list or by visiting Babylon ARTS Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Coming in from the cold – Babylon ARTS announces selected artists for the upcoming exhibition No Frost at Night appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Ely Artist, Ted Coney collaborated with his nephew, Andrew who lives in Madrid, on a sketch and drawing about celebrating New Year under Covid restrictions. Ted did the sketch while Andrew wrote the poem. 

Ted has continued  to make paintings about family life under lockdown but hopes to open his pop-up gallery on Waterside later in the year. In the meantime he has decided to extend his appeal for NHS Charities Together until the end of March through his Virtual Tour which can be found on his website: www.tedconeysfamilyportraits.co.uk

For just 99p, visitors can have four of Ted’s paintings explained as well as seeing him fly back in time to 1930’s Hollywood in his 90 year old Morris Minor to understand the ideas behind one of them.

The Dance of the Crazies!

With hearts of gloom,
In a world of doom,
Under siege by a plague,
From Mumbai to the Hague.

With months at home,
And no right to roam,
A man and his wife,
Strode out through the night.

As they walked along,
They heard a song,
A Scottish tune,
Which made them swoon.

And then by chance,
They began to dance.
And laughed and screamed,
As if in a dream.

Two sprites in the night,
It was such a delight,
So nimble and quick,
With movements so slick.

With a twist and twirl,
And light-footed whirl,
Their arms in the air,
They danced with flare.

The sky was aflame,
With flashes that came,
From fiery fireworks,
That drove them berserk.

Although this scene,
By no soul was seen,
The moon looked down,
Upon the town.

And on his face,
So full of grace,
Appeared a smile,
That lasted a while.

This moment of glee,
He gladly did see,
And as he shone harder,
The world turned brighter.

Press release from Ted Coney’s Family Portraits

The post Ely Artist, Ted Coney extends his appeal for NHS Charities Together appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Suffolk-based artist Helen Murray has produced a new exhibition inspired by the idea of ‘home’ using a delicate and detailed process that has to be seen in-person to fully appreciate.

The exhibition is entitled ‘Settlement – In Search of Home’ and runs from 3rd December to 24th January.

Claire Somerville, chief executive of Babylon ARTS explains: “The work brings together tiny fragments of found objects and natural materials, that Helen refers to as her ‘treasures’. These are carefully assembled onto board, often in a grid format and the result is an astonishingly detailed and mesmerising collection of art works that have to be seen up close to be enjoyed fully.”

Helen won the ‘Best in Show’ Award at the Babylon Gallery’s Summer Open in 2019, and has had to wait until now to have her solo exhibition, due to the challenges of the Covid-19 restrictions.

Helen Murray completed a Foundation course, but is otherwise self-taught. She has a background in children’s and editorial illustration. Helen explains “My aim is always to suggest rather than define, to nudge the imagination in the manner of poetry or music.”

‘Settlement – In Search of Home’ will be on at the Babylon Gallery until 24th January and further information and insight videos can be found on the Babylon Arts website: http://www.babylonarts.org.uk.

Press release from Babylon Arts

The post Babylon Gallery reopens with an Exhibition that invites you to get up close to the art appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Babylon ARTS has been awarded £60,000 as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund (CRF) to help face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure they have a sustainable future; the Culture Secretary has announced today.

Babylon ARTS is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support. £257 million of investment has been announced today as part of the very first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England. Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks.

Babylon ARTS (operated by ADEC – Arts Development in East Cambridgeshire) has been
initiating, supporting and delivering a huge range of arts and cultural opportunities in Ely, East Cambridgeshire and beyond for over 25 years. The organisation has overcome many challenges, including the total loss of local authority funding in 2014, but has risen to the challenges each time.

Prior to Covid-19, Babylon ARTS had seen growth in audience numbers at its independent cinema; a new large-scale creative skills development programme with schools across East Cambs and Fenland; a varied exhibition programme at the Babylon Gallery with over 20,000 visitors a year and strong partnership developments to increase arts opportunities in the area.

The temporary closure of the Babylon Gallery and Ely Cinema, coupled with the uncertainty of future income in-light of Covid, threatened the charity’s future. The Culture Recovery Fund places Babylon ARTS firmly back on an even footing, ready to continue developing creativity and connecting people with arts and culture.

Claire Somerville, Babylon ARTS, Chief Executive said:
“Despite huge challenges, our team have worked hard during this period, to adapt and deliver creative opportunities, that have seen us trying new things and reaching new people. This work has been against a backdrop of uncertainty for our future and so it is with much relief that we can announce receipt of this funding which will boost our resilience, help us make improvements to our accessibility and diversity, provide artist opportunities and engage further with our community.”

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said:
“This funding is a vital boost for the theatres, music venues, museums and cultural organisations that form the soul of our nation. It will protect these special places, save jobs and help the culture sector’s recovery.

“These places and projects are cultural beacons the length and breadth of the country. This unprecedented investment in the arts is proof this government is here for culture, with further support to come in the days and weeks ahead so that the culture sector can bounce back strongly.”

Chair, Arts Council England, Sir Nicholas Serota, said:
“Theatres, museums, galleries, dance companies and music venues bring joy to people and life to our cities, towns and villages. This life-changing funding will save thousands of cultural spaces loved by local communities and international audiences. Further funding is still to be announced and we are working hard to support our sector during these challenging times.”

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Babylon ARTS receives lifeline grant from Government’s £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

The Babylon Gallery, based in Ely celebrates the community’s creativity in an exhibition that brings together five projects that began in lockdown and have, over the period of five months, involved hundreds of people in creative activities and discussions.

During the course of lockdown, Babylon ARTS invited the community to get involved in various projects that enabled people of all ages to get creative in their homes and take part in activities that led to exhibitions both online and in the windows of Babylon Gallery.

The projects and the exhibition are supported by funding from Arts Council England and include: Comic Book Windows with local Manga Artist Irina Richards, Together In Isolation postcard project, portraits of key workers in photographer Regina Ray’s Chapter In Our Lives, clay models made by local residents as part of  Somewhere in Ely and The Library Presents’ Digital Quarantine Quilt. 

With postcards made by people from 6 months old, alongside work by professional artists; poetry that has been transformed into comic illustrations, photography that captures key workers who have supported us all through this time, pottery inspired by Ely and connection through quilting. 

Babylon ARTS’ Young Curators Olu Taiwo and Sid White-Jones have worked with Stuart Green to curate the exhibition and install all the artworks.

Artist, Irina Richards said “I feel fortunate to have been part of the Comic Book Windows project. It felt good to be able to work with Babylon Arts and the public – the response was fantastic. I especially enjoyed the poetry component of the project – the poems were full of sincerity and raw emotion. The project showed that despite the challenges and restrictions that the lockdown has brought about, the need for the arts and creativity is greater than ever.”

The poetry submitted by the public, for the Comic Book Windows project, has been incorporated into a booklet that will be available to take away for a donation to Babylon ARTS, throughout the duration of the exhibition (whilst stocks last!). The funds raised will go towards projects such as the ones showcased as part of the exhibition.

Chief Executive, Claire Somerville said “It’s our mission at Babylon ARTS to develop creativity and connect communities with arts and culture, and whilst this period of time has been, and continues to be, challenging, it’s also provided a wonderful opportunity for people to connect with or re-connect with their creative abilities.”

Claire continues “From craft to poetry writing; from pottery to photography – people have been expressing their thoughts, ideas, worries and joyful moments in creative ways and sharing them with us and the artists we’re working with and we hope that it inspires you, as it has us.”

All Together Now starts Friday 16th October and runs until Sunday 15th November. The Babylon Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry. 

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Celebrating the Community’s Creativity Through Lockdown and Beyond in Exhibition entitled ‘All Together Now’ appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Although his pop-up gallery on Ely’s Waterside has been closed this year during the pandemic, artist Ted Coney has been busy raising money for the NHS Charities Together appeal.

In May, he launched his Virtual Tour through his website, where visitors are flown back in time to 1930s Hollywood to view one of his family paintings about a relative who worked in the film industry. He also discusses another three of his paintings in the nine minute film.

To top up the amount he hopes to give to the Appeal at the end of the year, he is also donating the money raised from a recent sale of one of his preliminary studies for his painting ‘Who Stole The Toothpaste?’ Ted made use of Ely’s historic Courtroom to tell the story of a lost family fortune, over a hundred years ago. In his picture he uses Mr Toad from ‘The Wind in the Willows’ as a symbol of what happens when greed gets the better of you.

 His 1931 Morris Minor also appears in the painting and the film. A drawing of the car has been made into a gift card which is for sale at the Babylon Gallery with all proceeds also going to the appeal

To view the Virtual Tour see www.tedconeysfamilyportraits.co.uk 

Photograph shows Ted Coney with his painting ‘Who Stole The Toothpaste?’ (which includes his Morris Minor) and the gift card showing the same image.

Press release from Ted Coney

The post Paintings for Charity appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Contemporary artist Amy Wormald is to present a new exhibition of paintings inspired by urban and rural landscapes within 20 miles of Ely. 

The exhibition entitled “20-mile radius” will take place at the Babylon Gallery from 29th September – 11th October.

Amy Wormald is a contemporary painter living in Ely whose colourful work is inspired by the Fens, construction and growth. The exhibition brings together a range of work including small studies of colour in nature, large canvases of building sites and roadworks, and a series of paintings showing fen skies and vibrant sunsets. Original framed works in oil and acrylic will be available to browse or buy. 

The exhibition was originally scheduled to take place in April but was postponed.

“I’m excited about finally showing my paintings in Ely!”  Says Amy Wormald,  “The exhibition was originally planned to take place in April but was postponed for obvious reasons. The work has been stacked up around my house just waiting for an audience.  I really hope people will pop into the gallery to take a peak. Babylon Gallery is in a location next to the river in Ely and everyone is welcome.”

Amy’s exhibition catalogue can be viewed on the Babylon Arts website. 

The ‘20 Mile Radius’ exhibition launches on 29th September until 11th October at the Babylon Gallery, open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm with free entry.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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The Stained Glass Museum and Babylon ARTS are calling all Ely residents to make an illuminated window display in their home as part of Ely’s first Window Wanderland. 

The two organisations have teamed up to bring this fun family-friendly event, that takes place in towns and villages across the UK, to the city. Window Wonderland sees communities create illuminated displays in windows. People can use the street- facing windows of their home, business, school, nursery, car, shop, or even their door, or front garden. A map showing the locations of illuminated window displays is then created to form an after-dark walking trail and community event, transforming local streets into galleries. 

Successful Window Wanderland events have been organised by community groups across the UK since 2015, when the first event was held in Bristol. Ely’s first Window Wanderland is being organised and promoted by two of the city’s arts organisations, The Stained Glass Museum and Babylon ARTS. 

Ely’s first window Wanderland will take place over the evenings of Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th October. Everyone is encouraged to get involved by illuminating their street-facing windows between 5.30pm and 8.30pm, creating an after-dark walking trail of glowing windows. 

As Jasmine Allen, Director & Curator at the Stained Glass Museum explained: “Taking part is free and everyone is welcome. We would especially encourage resident families, local businesses, and community groups such as guides, brownies, scouts, to take part by creating an illuminated window display for this special event.” 

She added: “If you’re planning on transforming a window for Ely Window Wanderland please sign up on our Window Wanderland event page so that we can map participants on our website and create a local trail. Then get planning your window display! If you have any questions please refer them to: Elywindowwanderland@gmail.com 

Claire Somerville, Chief Executive of Babylon ARTS added: “If you’re wondering what to make, it can be as simple or as spectacular as you like, as long as it’s family friendly. You can use carefully-crafted tissue paper or tracing paper images, make a sign, handprints, use your recycling materials, or a projector. For tips go to https://www.windowwanderland.com/make/ The best displays can be the simplest. For ideas and inspiration go to the Window Wanderland website https://www.windowwanderland.com/gallery/ ” 

The two organisations felt that it was especially important to organize an event like this, at this time; as Jasmine states: “Many groups and venues have had to cancel events in the past few months. Window Wanderland is an event we can all participate in by creating art within our houses and communities to be seen from the outside; creating a fun temporary after-dark art trail in our city. 

“During the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown period the thresholds of our homes have become important cultural spaces. Standing at the intersection of the private and the public, at a time when our means of social connection and collective cultural engagement have been drastically reduced, over the last few months we have seen windows and doorways used repeatedly as sites of creativity and communication. 

“We have seen windows filled with rainbow art works of hope, with displays commemorating VE day, celebrating the NHS, illuminated in remembrance of those who lost their lives at Grenfell Tower, and to protest that Black Lives Matter. Many of us have stood on our front door steps to clap with our neighbours in recognition of the service of others; we have walked our streets and looked at them anew. 

“These displays have allowed us a sense of togetherness in our isolation and hope in our uncertain present, as well as enabling community creativity. We hope Window Wanderland will create a fun event this October half-term, and hope that it might become an annual event for the city of Ely.” 

Press release from The Stained Glass Museum and Babylon ARTS

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After nearly two years in planning, the Babylon Gallery will be hosting Anglia Textile Works ‘In The Fens’ Exhibition from 10th to 27th September.

When Anglia Textile Works made the decision to exhibit at Ely’s Babylon Gallery, the group could never have anticipated doing so in the midst of a pandemic. As Covid-19 took hold in Britain, the group’s eight members soon began to wonder if their exhibition in September would actually take place at all, but the Gallery team has pulled out all the stops to ensure that the exhibition goes ahead, making the gallery safe for visitors and artists alike.

Working towards the exhibition during the pandemic affected members of ATW in a variety of ways. Lucie Summers from Worlington in Suffolk found that the pandemic gave her time to stop and take stock and then begin again at a slower speed. “I certainly felt that my world, like everyone’s, shrank to 4 walls but I felt incredibly lucky to still be able to get out into fields and meadows on a daily basis and not see another soul. Being in nature was definitely grounding during the days when world events seemed to be overwhelming. Hearing birdsong, and watching the crops growing day by day was a balm to the soul and definitely helped inform my work for the exhibition. All of my pieces are based on my immediate environment, and think however uncertain events seemed at the time, the slower pace of life helped me to create a body of work of which I’m really proud.”

Some members of the group have taken part in the national effort to make scrubs and scrubs bags for the NHS. Making bags with Yvonne Brown from Feltwell certainly prompted Kathy Colledge, who lives in Sheringham, to get back to her sewing machine after a period of ‘lockdown lethargy’ that was proving difficult to shake off.  In addition, it planted the seed of an idea to use a bag on which to print some of the jargon that surfaced during the pandemic; a sort of social document, recording challenging times.

Niki Chandler from Cambridge also turned her hand to sewing for the NHS and found that co-ordinating a small group of women of all abilities to make scrubs changed her experience of lockdown. It was on the return journey from dropping off the first batch of items at Addenbrookes Hospital that she came across the field of acid yellow oilseed rape that gave new direction for her body of stitched works for ‘In the Fens’. Despite living a mere 10-minute walk from the historic city centre of Cambridge she is only 10 minutes from acres of arable farm land and regular once -a-day lockdown walks into this countryside allowed her to absorb the subtly changing colours of vast fields of barley and rapeseed. 

Niki says “At the start of 2020 I was working on a very different piece for the exhibition. My creative stitch practice is normally a solitary, quiet, meditative daily experience. The pandemic changed that – my husband moved into the living room to run his architectural practice and my daughter reclaimed her bedroom (my work space) and remotely finished her tailoring qualification. Intensity fell over the house. Relegated to a small table in the spare bedroom I found I was unable to continue on my original piece so I packed it all away.  I found solace in the garden where I tried my hand at natural plant dyeing – totally not my usual way of working.”

As members of the group are quite widely spread across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridge and Essex, they usually meet only four or five times a year. Even this has proved difficult of late but they have been able to ‘meet’ on Zoom which has been a Godsend in the run up to the show.

ATW is delighted to show its latest collection of work, inspired by The Fens, at The Babylon Gallery from 10th to 27th September.

Members of the group are: Mai-Britt Axelsen, Yvonne Brown, Niki Chandler, Kathy Colledge, Chrissy Leech, Annette Morgan, Lucie Summers, and Cherry Vernon-Harcourt

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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On 1st August the Babylon Gallery reopened its doors to the public after being closed for 137 days and to help mark this special occasion the residents of Cardinals Way and Cardinals Terrace, came to present a cheque for £403 to the charity.

The donation was the proceeds of a virtual garage sale, which saw 20 local households sell items from ‘lockdown clear-outs’ online.

Organiser, Heather Howard, explained that, “We had set-up a WhatsApp Group for residents to share tips during the Lockdown, and through this, we came up with the idea of supporting our local arts centre with a virtual garage sale”. She went on to add, “I hoped we’d raise at least £100 and so it’s been great to raise just over £400
for Babylon ARTS”.

Chief executive, Claire Somerville said, “It was a lovely surprise when Heather contacted us to say they were going to give their virtual garage sale proceeds to us; it’s a testament to the generosity of our community and how much they value what we do – we’re really grateful for their support.”

The Babylon Gallery is now open Tuesday to Sunday 12pm to 4pm; with its annual selected Summer Open Exhibition, which includes 100 artworks from over 60 artists.

Press release from Babylon Arts

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Ely-based ceramicist Louise Beale and sculptor Mike Hartley have been announced as the two artists winning a £1800 commission for the “Somewhere in Ely” project.

The outdoor arts project called “Somewhere in Ely” was launched in the city earlier this year with the support of Babylon Arts, Ely Markets and Ely College.  Artists, makers and creators from across the country were invited to propose ideas for fun and unexpected things to happen in the city.  There were over 70 proposals offering performances, sculpture, installations, activities and events.  It was the job of Ely residents to vote on the final five shortlisted artists.  

“We are delighted to announce the two artists voted by the public to receive commissions as part of the Somewhere in Ely project,” Says project manager Amy Wormald

“Louise Beale is a ceramic artist based in Ely.  Her vision is to bring an installation of hundreds of ceramic sculptures to our city.  Louise is inviting local people to get involved in and will be giving away free making kits to anyone who is interested.”

“Mike Hartley makes kinetic sculptures using recycled materials.  He is developing a fantastical contraption called the ‘The Yesterday and Tomorrow Machine.’  We’ll share photos of him working in a forge on our social media channels over the coming weeks.”

The two artists will be developing their work to share in Ely during October half term.  Local residents are invited to get involved from August to September.  If you would like to try your hand at making a model out of air-dry clay please get in touch.  Louise will be giving away ‘making packs’ to Ely residents, families, businesses, schools and care homes.  The packs include clay, paint and materials, and all the instructions you will need to make your own mini artwork.

You can collect a FREE making pack from Babylon Gallery or from Ely Market on selected days.  You can also contact Louise directly if you would prefer a pack to be delivered to you.

For more details visit www.babylonarts.org.uk/projects/somewhere-in-ely or contact Louise on louise_ceramics@hotmail.co.uk 

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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Iconic limited edition prints from the creative forces of Storm Thorgerson and StormStudios 1980s – present day.

StormStudios has a long and illustrious history having worked for innumerable bands, from Alan Parsons, Anthrax and Audioslave through to the Wombats, with a sprinkling of Pink Floyd, Steve Miller, Muse, 10cc, etc thrown in for good measure.

The COVID-19 crisis has severely limited StormStudios’ exhibition schedule so we are pleased to announce a UK show at the Haddenham Art Centre, running for three months, opening on the 1st August. 

Storm Studios said ‘It’s a pleasure to be showing here just a short distance from where our co-founder and mentor, Storm Thorgerson spent his formative years in Cambridge.’

The arts centre is tucked just off the High Street and has free parking, lovely gardens an onsite café and disabled toilet facilities as well as studio artists to visit.

If you’d like to see the exhibition outside our normal opening hours private views are possible, just call to arrange a time.  

Haddenham Arts Centre, 20 High Street, Haddenham, CB6 3XA
Tel: 01353 749188
Open : Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 4pm

www.haddenhamartscentre.org.uk

Press release from Haddenham Arts Centre

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An Ely-based arts organisation is searching for people to take part in a brand new development programme: Babylon Young Curators.

Applications are open to anyone age 18 – 26 with an interest in a career in the creative industries. Two young people will be chosen to take part, each receiving a bursary of £1,650.

The programme, which runs in Ely from September to May, offers training, skills development and support for those who have a passion for sharing their interest in the arts.  The time commitment is approximately 1 day a week, and participants will have an opportunity to work with artists and creative professionals, and to stage a major project or exhibition with guidance from experienced mentors.

“To apply you don’t need any special qualifications,”  Says Claire Somerville, CEO of Babylon Arts.  “We’re looking for people who are enthusiastic and able to put the time into developing their skills and knowledge.  If you have fresh ideas, and a passion for sharing your interest in the arts with other people, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.”

Babylon Arts are inviting applications from young people across Cambridgeshire and beyond, but particularly welcome those in East Cambridgeshire and Fenland. The deadline for applications is Monday 10th August.

Full details about the opportunity and what’s involved can be found on the Babylon Arts website at bit.ly/Young_Curators

“We’re keen to hear from young people in the local area so if you know of someone who may be interested please share the details and encourage them contact us.”  Says Amy Wormald, Creative Spaces Manager, Babylon Arts.  “We can offer assistance if you have access needs or require specific support to make an application, so please do get in touch.”

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The post Babylon Arts announce new opportunity for age 18 – 26 interested in the creative industries appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

In May 2020, Babylon ARTS launched their Comic Book Windows project, commissioning local Manga Artist, Irina Richards to create a total of 60 new illustrations, one for each of the Babylon Gallery riverside window panes.

This exhibition comprised three separate comic ‘strips’, two based on Irina’s own stories and one using poems submitted by the public. Babylon ARTS received 34 poems, from which to select one poem to be re-imagined as Comic Book illustrations.

Claire Somerville, chief executive of Babylon ARTS said “We want to say a big thank you to everyone that took part in the project and sent in their poetry submissions. We received some fantastic poems, which made the decision to pick just one, too difficult – so we chose two!”

The two poems chosen were by Ely residents, Sophie Bell and Hebe Young. Their poems have been illustrated into comic book form and can be seen on the Babylon ARTS website now. Sophie said “I was thrilled to be part of this project. Irina’s comic strip really captures the fears and joys so many of us have experienced during this challenging time.”

The second chosen poem was by Hebe Young, age 13 who said “I met Irina when I went to a The Library Presents event. When I saw this competition, I had to enter! I am really pleased I won! I love the result so much.”

Artist, Irina Richards said “I feel fortunate to have been part of the Comic Book Windows project. It felt good to be able to work with Babylon Arts and the public – the response was fantastic. I especially enjoyed the poetry component of the project – the poems were full of sincerity and raw emotion, turning them into poetry comics was an amazing experience. The project showed that despite the challenges and restrictions that the lockdown has brought about, the need for the arts and creativity is greater than ever.”

The winning poems will be on display in the windows of the Babylon Gallery from 8th to 30th July and will feature in a planned exhibition at the Babylon Gallery later this year.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

 ‘Maybe I Will’ by Hebe Young can be found here

 ‘The Hole’ by Sophie Bell can be found here

The post Two Ely residents have their poems selected to become Comic Book Illustrations appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Talented Fashion and Textiles students from King’s Ely are celebrating success in two exciting competitions.

Year 12 student, Paige Newell, and John-Oswald Crichton, who is in Year 11, have both been highly commended in this year’s Young Fashion Designer UK contest. Paige and John-Oswald submitted some outstanding fashion design ‘mood boards’ with supporting text, where they explored a decade of design by their chosen fashion designer. Paige chose Alexander McQueen and John-Oswald chose Christian Dior.

Launched in 2010, the annual Young Fashion Designer awards celebrate and showcase the work of Fashion and Textiles students from across the UK. Paige, 17, was highly commended in the age 17-18 category and John-Oswald, 16, was highly commended in the age 15-16 category. King’s Ely also enjoyed success in the 2019 awards when Sixth Form designer, Anna Pearce, achieved second place in the A Level Fashion Design category.

Just days after Paige and John-Oswald received their celebratory news, the skilful duo – and Year 12 King’s Ely student, Katie Wood – discovered that they had been selected to exhibit some of their fashion designs in the eagerly-anticipated Young Norfolk Arts Festival.

Young Norfolk Arts are organising ‘No space, every place’ – a virtual exhibition to celebrate the work of young artists and designers from across the region. Katie, John-Oswald and Paige are among fifty young people invited to take part in the virtual exhibition, which is running at www.youngnorfolkarts.org.uk from July 2nd – 6th. Awards will then follow.

Alison Rhodes, Director of Art at King’s Ely, said: “We are all delighted for Paige, John-Oswald and Katie. Their success is not only a wonderful celebration of the impressive work they have produced but it will also prove extremely useful for their UCAS statements and interviews in the future.”

The Art Department at King’s Ely is a thriving, inspiring environment where all students are encouraged to engage fully with the state-of-the-art facilities available. The Department specialises in Fashion and Textiles, Fine Art, Sculpture and Photography, and students realise ambitious outcomes, regularly achieving some of the highest exam marks in the country. In 2018, King’s Ely also won the Art and Craft Award at the prestigious Education Business Awards.

To discover more about opportunities at King’s Ely, go to: www.kingsely.org

Press release from King’s Ely

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Residents from across the Ely area are invited to vote for two new outdoor art projects that will take place in October.

A new creative opportunity has been launched in the city by Babylon Arts and supported by Ely Markets and Ely College called “Somewhere in Ely”. Earlier this year artists, makers and creators were invited to propose ideas for fun and unexpected things to happen in the city.

There were over 70 proposals from around the world offering performances, sculpture, installations, activities and events. Five have been shortlisted to go to a public vote.

Each of the five shortlisted artists have made a two-minute video pitch, in the hope of persuading the people of Ely to vote for their idea. The public is now invited to choose their favourites. The two most voted-for proposals will become reality ‘Somewhere in Ely’ in October half term.

“If you live or work in the Ely area please watch the video pitches and vote for your favourite. We have funding to pay for two of these artist ideas to happen – and it’s up to the public to decide.” Says project manager Amy Wormald.

“You don’t need any special interest or experience in art to have an opinion. Just take a look at the videos online and tell us what you think.”

The five shortlisted artists include Ely ceramicist Louise Beale, choreographer and body-popper Paris Crossley, Mike Hartley who makes kinetic sculptures, multi-media artist Mark Parry and artist/ designer Adrian Riley.

The video pitches can be seen on the Babylon Arts website, YouTube channel and via social media if you look for #SomewhereinEly. The public voting will be open until midnight on 12th July 2020.

Press release from Babylon ARTS

The online vote is now open from 25th June to 12th July 2020.

The page to view the video proposals and to vote can be found on Babylon ARTS website here:

https://www.babylonarts.org.uk/events/view,vote-for-the-creative-ideas-you-want-to-see-happen-in-ely_22675.htm

The post Five Artists to pitch ideas before a public vote in Ely appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Babylon ARTs, has announced the re-opening of the Babylon Gallery on Ely’s riverside, following its temporary closure due to Covid-19.

The first exhibition will be their annual selected Summer Open exhibition, which over the past five years, has showcased hundreds of artists’ works and this year, the charity hopes will be one of their biggest and best yet.

As Claire Somerville, chief executive explained: “We’ll be hoping to fill our walls and plinths with a diverse range of art works from professional and amateur artists over the age of 16. This exhibition has previously included paintings, photography, ceramics, textiles, mixed media and more. We’re a contemporary space, supported by volunteers, with the ambition of being the creative heart of Ely and West Anglia.”

“We welcome submissions from all artists” Claire continues, “and we are particularly interested to exhibit work by those living in Cambridgeshire, West Norfolk and West Suffolk; disabled artists and artists who are from minority ethnic backgrounds.”

The exhibition will run from Saturday 1st August to Sunday 6th September and the gallery will be open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm.

The deadline for submitting works is 10am Monday 13th July and more information can be found on the organiser’s website: www.babylonarts.org.uk

The organisers went on to say that: “Thanks to funding we have received from Arts Council England, to support us through the Covid-19 crisis, we are able to offer this opportunity without charging artists to submit their artworks. So instead of the £10 per art work we have previously charged, we ask that artists consider making a donation, or putting their waived fee towards purchasing an art work at the exhibition, so everyone gets to benefit.”

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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As life in and around the Cathedral starts to look forward in the hope of opening up and being able to start doing things again, we are thinking of holding an exhibition of all the wonderful creative activities that so many people have been undertaking while staying at home.

The exhibition will be for anyone, young and old or somewhere in the middle and can be in any medium painting, needlework, papiermache, drawing, poetry, photography and pottery.

You do not have to be an expert artist to participate – everyone is welcome to join in!

If you would be interested in participating please contact Joss: j.palmer@elycathedral.org

Press release from Ely Cathedral

The post Did Artwork and Creativity Help You Through Lockdown? appeared first on Spotted in Ely.

Babylon ARTS is collaborating with local Manga Artist, Irina Richards, to create 60 new illustrations, one for each of the Babylon Gallery window panes that face onto Pegasus Walk, Ely Riverside.

The exhibition will comprise three separate comic ‘strips’, two based on
Irina’s own stories and one using a poem and this is where the public come in.

There are two ways for people to get involved. The first is by adding the colour to a black and white illustration produced by Irina. Babylon ARTS is looking for 36 people/households to adopt and co-design an individual illustration. They welcome families, individuals and groups, to adopt an illustration and add the colour. It could be using pens, paints, collage, pencils or crayons, as long as it remains flat.

The second way to get involved is by submitting a poem by 14th June 2020 via email to: office@babylonarts.org.uk. One poem will be selected and turned into a 24-illustration comic strip by Irina Richard, for display in the Gallery windows.

Irina said about the project: “Comic Book Windows is a great creative opportunity open to everyone. The resulting artwork will hopefully create a bit of a talking point for those who may see it on their daily walks! I hope that it encourages participation from members of the local community.”

All poetry submissions and the finished comic strips will be made into a limited-edition booklet. These will then be given away to the first 200 visitors to the Babylon Gallery when it re-opens and everyone who has got involved will also receive a copy.

The project is part of Babylon ARTS’s Creative Communities work, which includes the Together in Isolation Postcard Project. This has already seen over 30 submissions from the
public – including professional and amateur artists, as well as those trying their hand at creative design for the first time.

As Claire Somerville, chief executive of Babylon ARTS said: “We’re always keen to involve the community in creative ways and this doesn’t stop just because our doors are currently
closed. In fact, the situation makes us look for new ways to use our Gallery and to reach out to people, who may be feeling isolated. We hope that by getting involved in these projects
people will feel more connected with each other and pleased that they’re creatively contributing to something positive in their community.”

These projects are supported by Arts Council England through their Emergency Response Fund, made possible by players of the National Lottery. Babylon ARTS, has secured a grant to support its resilience during this period and to enable the organisation to maintain and build its connections with the community whilst the gallery and cinema remain closed.

Find out more about the project and how to get involved by visiting the Babylon ARTS’
website: www.babylonarts.org.uk

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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Artist, Ted Coney was expecting to take his 1931 Morris Minor to the V.E. Day celebrations in Ely next week, until it was cancelled because of the pandemic.

He was also hoping to open his pop-up art gallery (Ted Coney’s Family Portraits) for the twelfth season but this has also been postponed for the same reason. The Morris is part of the tour as it appears in some of his paintings.

However, you can still see Ted’s family paintings by taking the virtual tour from his website. At the cost of 99p, with all proceeds going to NHS Charities Together, you get to experience four of Ted’s paintings, in a nine minute film.

In the virtual tour Ted appears ‘flying’ back in time in his Morris to 1930s Hollywood, to explain about one of his paintings entitled ‘Dear Reginald Owen’.

Ted’s virtual tour (including free trailer) can be obtained from his website:  www.tedconeysfamilyportraits.co.uk  

Press release from Ted Coney’s Family Portraits

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Babylon ARTS is inviting everyone to get creative during this lockdown period, by adding their designs and written responses to an exhibition of postcards, which will go online now and will in the future become part of a physical exhibition at the Babylon Gallery. 

Florence Rose, Head of Project Delivery explains: “We are looking for postcard-sized entries from everyone; we hope to get entries from those new to art, as well as established artists. 

“The postcard could be inspired by your time in isolation, how you feel, the thoughts, memories or ideas that you would like to capture, or what you’re looking forward to on the other side. 

“We welcome drawing, printing, painting, photography, textiles, digital art, collage and mixed media, as long as it’s 2 dimensional. We are looking for a range of styles and techniques, as well as work from all ages and experience levels.” 

For those who see themselves as more of a writer than a visual artist, the Babylon ARTS team are also welcoming written submissions on the postcards, asking “What might you want to say to yourself in a years’ time, about your life now?” 

The written responses will also become part the exhibition and will be posted back to the writer in a years’ time. 

Claire Somerville, chief executive added; “The future exhibition will form part of Babylon ARTS fundraising activity, and will celebrate the creative ideas and talents of people across the community. The Covid-19 crisis is affecting everyone in different ways and we hope this opportunity might provide a moment of respite, creativity and reflection during this difficult period.”

Further details are available on www.babylonarts.org.uk 

Press release from Babylon ARTS

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