The Opening of Rivers and Skies at Flatford Mill

On a sunny and thankfully not too warm summer day we were delighted to visit Flatford Mill, and see the opening of 'Rivers and Skies' an immersive digital experience commissioned by the Essex Cultural Diversity Project and the National Trust to mark the 250th anniversary of the painter John Constable, whose painting 'The Hay Wain' is synonymous with Flatford and the surrounding countryside.

We met Tom Hobden and Phoebe Stapleton, the exhibition artists, who invited local elders and children to tell their life stories through the metaphors of rivers and sky, drawing a direct parallel with John Constable's own way of seeing landscape as an emotional record. This footage was edited into an audiovisual experience in the National Trust's gallery, which was transformed into Constable's studio, richly textured with scattered sketchbooks and paint-stained palettes under the barn's rough timber beams. Projections enlivened the space with mini dances, interviews, animated paintings and words. This was an excellent way of honouring one of Britain's most celebrated historic artists through a vibrant, celebratory art moment.

James W is a Trustee of the Essex Cultural Diversity Project, so it was a pleasure for him to see the difference the charity makes, convening Art Council England-funded projects of this national civic stature. We walked down with our sculptor friend Jamie McCartney who introduced us to Flatford Mill at Christmas, and it was a joy to share something of our own corner of the art world by way of thanks!

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