The Whitaker Museum & Art Gallery – Cabinet of Curiosities
In 2020, as the Covid epidemic was waning, I was commissioned to create a Cabinet of Curiosities room in Rawtenstall’s museum and art gallery, The Whitaker. The museum was undergoing a major transformation after receiving a Heritage Lottery Grant, which meant that much of its old and dusty collection was being replaced. I was given full access to its archive, and I commissioned other artists including Kain Leo, Nicola Hebson, and Kay Kennedy to help create a theatrical installation in what had been the Edwardian Period Room including an animated film. Crammed full of artefacts, the Cabinet was immediately very popular, and remains in place in the heart of the museum.
The Pendle Witch
In 2025 I was asked by the dancer and choreographer Aimee Williamson to create a backdrop for her new dance piece, Pendle Witch. I created woodcut banners, that were revealed during the performance, as well as a poster for the show. The opening performance in 2026 was outdoors, with Pendle Hill as a backdrop, a stunning start to a powerful touring show.
Slowing Down to the Speed of Light
The storyteller Jacqueline Harris asked me to work with her to create a show that was inspired by her late ADHD diagnosis. Combining storytelling with video projection and live music, she had gathered together a formidable team including cellist Maja Bugge, artist Marjan Wouda and storyteller Dominic Kelly. The 2025 tour included the Scottish Storytelling Centre, where Horse & Bamboo often played.
Apna
When I retired from Horse & Bamboo in 2018 I continued with the project I had established with Arry Nessa. This focused on work in East Lancashire, centred in Haslingden, with East Asian heritage families. The work was wide-ranging; we had a base where regular workshops and exhibitions were held, and Apna organised frequent community events. One highlight was the exhibition at the Whitworth Gallery in Manchester, showing the work of Apna and its participants. The project prospered, working with artists and supporters, including Habiba Ashraf, Maryam Golubeva, Yasmine Choudry, and many others until the Covid outbreak in 2020.