The Black Mary Project continues to provide reflective, healing spaces next week as part of Wellcome Collection’s free Thirst Symposium weekend 19-21 September.
The Black Mary Project continues to provide reflective, healing spaces next week as part of Wellcome Collection’s free Thirst Symposium weekend 19-21 September.
Thirst: In Search of Freshwater is a major exhibition that explores human’s development in relationship to water around the world. The Black Mary Project is featured in the exhibition and will be centred over a weekend of free performances, panel discussions, tours and workshops. Come along to hear a wide variety of perspectives on our relationship with water from artists, activists, practitioners and researchers. And you can hear more about the Black Mary Project and participate in a healing ritual by the Mary Woolaston statue.
Symposium Talks / Saturday 20th September / Free
Black Mary Project lead artist Gaylene Gould will be speaking on a panel about our relationship with water, from grief and exploitation to joy and community, sharing learnings from the project. Other speakers across the day include curator Janice Li and writers Dr Anitha Sethi and Elif Shafak amongst others.
More information here.
Symposium Workshops / Sunday 21st September / Free / Drop-in
11am – 4:15pm: Healing Symbol and River Ribbons
Drop in any time to the restorative workshops inspired by the legend of Black 17th Century well keeper Mary Woolaston to share stories about water and healing. Write about your first encounter with a body of water on a continuous ribbon, and design and stitch your own healing cloth symbol. You can also meet history researcher Emanuela Aru and take a look at some research materials about Black Mary. You’re also invited to take a self-led, 20-minute walk to visit the new Mary Woolaston sculpture at Calthorpe Community Garden, created by Marcia Bennett-Male.
4:15-5pm: River Ribbon Walk
Join this guided walk from Wellcome Collection to Calthorpe Community Gardens, led by artist Gaylene Gould. You can take the river ribbons and healing cloths collected from workshops earlier in the day. A collective reading of the river ribbon stories will take place next to Mary Woolaston’s statue in the healing garden, where you can also take part in a water ritual and leave your healing cloth there. Please note that spaces are limited. Sign up at the Information Desk as soon as you arrive to secure your spot.
More information here.
Mary Woolaston Dreams Products
Gaylene Gould, in partnership with Wellcome Collection, has created a range of products from the stories gathered during the project. Gaylene’s ‘Mary Woolaston Dreams’ digital collage has been transformed into tea towels, notebooks and badges. The design brings together the healing symbols created by Calthorpe Community members with “healing hand” images, honouring the community workers of Calthorpe Community Gardens.
Pop along to the Wellcome Collection to shop the range.
Wellcome Collection address: 183 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE
