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 Kain’s animated film. Crammed full of artefacts, the Cabinet was immediately very popular with visitors, 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, which were gradually revealed during the performance; as well cutting a woodcut 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 on her Storywheel project, to create a show inspired by her recent ADHD diagnosis. Combining storytelling with video projection and live music, she had gathered together a formidable team including cellist Maja Bugge, artist Marjan Wouda, animator Graham Kay and storyteller Dominic Kelly. The 2025 tour included the lovely Scottish Storytelling Centre.
Accomplished and thought-provoking, ‘Slowing Down to the Speed of Light’ is a valiant and superbly genial exploration of life, ADHD, and more.”
– W.J. Quinn, The Quintessential Review, Edinburgh
Apna
When I retired from Horse & Bamboo in 2018 I continued developing the project that I had established with Arry Nessa. This focused on work in East Lancashire, centred in Haslingden, with South Asian heritage families. The work Apna undertook was wide-ranging; it had a base where regular workshops and exhibitions were held, and organised frequent community events. One of many highlights 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.