Yesterday I went to Oxford House to look through some archive material as part of my research process for the work I will be doing with John Umney and Keith Greenough, both OCA graduates. I was incredibly pleased when they asked me if I wanted to be involved in a collaborative project culminating in an exhibition at Oxford House in November. Any revenue will be donated to Oxford House to fund their building programme. Of course, this is an exceptionally good opportunity to make some work and get it seen at a good venue, as well as learn about a part of London I don’t know much about.
I have had several ideas in relation to what I might do for this but for now am focusing on working with a ballet class that takes place at Oxford House. I am not yet sure if the Ballet class will provide all the material but it is a place to begin. My initial working context as as follows:
Oxford House was started with the ambition of helping people in the community by Victorian Christian men. Historically it was a place where local men and boys would be provided for. Over the years as changes to the way we live took hold Oxford House’s objectives have evolved. Today we live in a very different world and Oxford House continues to be a venue that provides space for the local community but in far more egalitarian way. Gender is irrelevant, as is religion, or the colour of one’s skin. The area in which Oxford House exists is a multi-cultural, and a terrific example of people from all over the world, or many second and third generation residents living well together. At a time when the world is showing acute anxiety about boundaries, borders and changing definitions, Bethnal Green is a vibrant example of why we should not be afraid. By concentrating on children in this project I aim to explore the future and celebrate these young people, along with the concept of multi-culturalism, and look forward their positive contributions as adults.
There are some risks inherent in the working context but as I say it is a starting point and will develop and evolve as time moves forward.
Some of the photographs I saw yesterday made me think about using them as points of reference. There were a good few of children since Oxford House started in the late 19th century, and of course at that time some of the images were drawings. Since some of the images are copyrighted I am not sure if I can post them here but have them logged in a private file to return to when if and when I want to.
I have a meeting with the head of the ballet school soon and we will discuss the issue of child safety and protection along with ideas and options for taking the work forward.
More news as it develops….