It was an extraordinary experience to be able to take time to make and explore work in the beautiful surroundings of the 900 year old Wymondham Abbey in Norfolk as Artist in Residence. The residency gave me time and space to think, to draw and to record. The calm of the huge Norman building, the support of the Clergy and Church Wardens, and the interest of those visiting made for a very productive residency.
Continuing my current practice of creating monotype printed “Rifts” I had taken with me a new work – “Rift: Wymondham Abbey” to install at the site. The Rifts capture a moment in time, a potential schism in the continuum, becoming part of their location when installed. With the agreement of those at Wymondham Abbey I was able to instal this latest Rift from the organ loft at the end of the nave.
Catching those moments within the Rift, the 25m long print was placed and left in the Abbey for several days. It felt part of the building, soaking up the years and capturing elements of the lives of the thousands who have entered the Abbey. I am captivated by the thought of so many people having shared that space across its 900 year old history, each leaving a tiny part of themselves within the ancient stones. This was one moment, never to be repeated, unique and poignant, my own addition to the many.
I found that I wrote almost as much as I undertook drawings and paintings whilst I was sat in the Abbey. Having time to stop and allow the mind to run is a huge privilege and to record in whatever way seems best suited is necessary. I used several sketchbooks at the same time and even managed to start etching preprepared plates I had taken with me. It feels significant to know that the recording was undertaken within the building although the work that is coming out of the process will potentially be quite different as it progresses.
I was particularly thankful during the residency to be allowed to roll out a 25m sheet of mulberry bark paper down the full length of the nave. Working several lines down the paper allowed for a transference of recollections from my head and heart on to the paper, creating a visual dialogue with the space. It was a semi-conscious working of the line, a drawn memory fed by experiences and occasions relating to the building. It was a deeply personal exercise undertaken in a very public space and I’m now considering how to develop the resulting work.
The experience of working within such an important historic building with strong personal connections has had a significant effect on me and I feel it will take time to settle in my head. I’m already developing connected work and considering new locations for further Rifts, whilst also developing etchings reflecting my time at the Abbey. The progression into print installation was supported by my DYCP funding (now concluded), and the need to make, record and develop further print installation work is a current focus which this residency helped support.
Previously I lived in and around Wymondham for many years and know the Abbey well. Some of you may know that I have incorporated imagery and emotions connected to the building in my drawings and prints so to be able to focus so specifically on work there felt very special. I was also able to use the time to develop and plan work for a forthcoming exhibition in July at Wymondham Arts Centre which I am sharing with an old friend Cindy Gidney who is a 3D artist, basketmaker and ceramist. Cindy and I will be sharing the gorgeous space of Beckets Chapel (very close to the Abbey), to show current work in our joint exhibition “Held”, 8th – 13th July 2025.
Fran Farrar 