Fleetwood’s iconic Mount Pavilion was transformed on Saturday 18 April when Liz Postlethwaite’s (artist in residence) unique Fleetwood inspired art installation was revealed.
Throughout March and April Liz had been out and about in Fleetwood, chatting to residents and visitors about their memories, thoughts and feelings about the town, in order to create her final artwork inside the Mount Pavilion.
“Since the beginning of March I have been lucky enough to use the Mount Pavilion as a base to explore this lovely coastal town. From visiting groups and going on walks, to collecting shells on the beach and meeting dogs and their owners in the park, I have been trying to delve under the surface to get a feel for what makes Fleetwood’s heart beat in 2015,” explained Liz.
A yellow flag outside the pavilion heralded Liz’s presence so people knew they could call in and share their stories with her. During her residency Liz has explored Fleetwood mostly on foot, visiting the Fleetwood Museum, inside the old Custom House on Queen’s terrace, to explore the town’s rich heritage. She also called in to the Willow Garden Project and talked to the volunteers about their work supporting people with mental or physical health needs through horticulture and absorbed the stunning views from Rossall Point Observation Tower.
Liz explains her inspiration:
“When the town of Fleetwood was built in the 1800s the pagoda on the mount was the architectural heart of the town. Constructed at the top of the highest dune, the town was created so that all main streets radiated from that central point. Alongside a rich nautical history, Fleetwood remains a busy, buzzing town set in a beautiful natural environment. From dog walkers to kite surfers, to the best cafes and the nicest spots to picnic, I intend to create a dynamic and interactive space that celebrates the past, present and future of Fleetwood.”
Creative engagement is at the heart of Liz’s work as in addition to her work as an artist she is founder and creative director of Small Things Creative Projects.
Supported by LeftCoast, Liz is the second artist in residence at the Mount Pavilion. Kerenza McClarnan, creative engagement manager for LeftCoast said, “Having Liz based in Fleetwood has been a delight and it has been great to follow her blog to keep up to date with where she has been and who she has met. We’re really looking forward to seeing the installation take over the Mount Pavilion and see how Fleetwood’s story comes out.”
For more information about Liz’s journey, see her blog: meetmeatthemount.wordpress.com.
Images courtesy of Richard Oughton.
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