Out of Context, Out of Use
Whitchurch Artist in Residence scheme occupies the former derelict trade rooms, whilst maintaining the essence of the hospital through the repurposing of distinctive decorative elements.
Over the course of Term 1 I developed a methodology of archiving place through the analysis of its change in context and use over time. This was based upon research and my own personal understanding of what it means to archive and how to archive. Through exploring the process of archiving an object and its change in function over time, drawing on comparisons between archiving and fossilisation. Through further research I discovered that by archiving an object isn’t a loss of function but instead the removal of context. This method of adding and removing context became the focal point of my project.
Term 2 required the application of my methodology, archiving place through the analysis of its change in context and use over time, to Whitchurch Hospital. By studying the history of Whitchurch and its surrounding context from when it was initially built until its closure, lead me to discover the redundant trade rooms and how craft had left Whitchurch hospital and the surrounding suburb. My proposal looks at reintroducing craft and trade back into Whitchurch through an Artist Residence Scheme and Public Market. Breaking down the barrier of this once secluded hospital through public market and park through the labyrinth of ruins of existing walls marking the previous internal spaces and wild gardens as a reflection of the external courtyards. Whilst the varying aspects of the scheme are linked through the borrowed characteristics of the hospital and the continued contrast between old and new.
Portfolio Excerpts
Contact Details Cicely Rice-Wilson cicelyrw@gmail.com