The permanent statue by artist Marcia Bennett-Male honouring the story of the 17th Century black well keeper Mary Woolaston was unveiled at Calthorpe Community Garden on Saturday June 28th.
By Gaylene Gould
The permanent statue by artist Marcia Bennett-Male honouring the story of the 17th Century black well keeper Mary Woolaston was unveiled at Calthorpe Community Garden on Saturday June 28th.
Standing at 160cm tall and hand carved from St Bees sandstone by the UK’s only classically trained Black woman stone carver, Mary adds a quiet, powerful, restful presence to the gardens.
For the unveiling, Latin-American musicians Las Witchas! led the large crowd in song in a procession down into the garden. The statue was cloaked in a bespoke textile created by Artistic Director Gaylene Gould from symbols gathered from the local community. Cllr Sandra Francis, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Young People and Culture of Camden Council, and founder of Calthorpe, Annika Miller-Jones, unveiled Mary and she was greeted Mary with cheers, claps and song.
The Black Mary Pleasure Garden event then unfolded – an art garden party for all the family designed to connect people and celebrate community. The event, led by over 20 artists, gardeners, and creative facilitators featured workshops, games, performances and rituals that drew people together and offered restful, joyful and well-being activities. 768 people attended throughout the day and many participants left deeply appreciative of Mary and the experience.
Here are some lovely quotes from some of the attendees:
“Really, really beautiful. Such a striking sculpture”
“Such a beautifully curated event filled with love. Community and connection at its best with Mary standing proud at the heart of it all”
“This was such a beautiful day. When my 7 year old saw Mary, he automatically bowed! She’s got power!”
“An incredible day with gorgeous positive community vibes and so much generosity.”
“What a wonderful day! The vibes, the performers, the space, the stories, the community, the statue, the weather. It all came together and was just what many of us needed.”
You can visit the Mary Woolaston sculpture between 10am-6pm Monday to Saturday at Calthorpe Community Gardens. Why not offer a silent thank you to one of your own well keepers or caregivers while you’re there?
The Black Mary Project was curated by art company Studio Gaylene Gould. Their mission is to create social change through artistic projects that build communities of care.
