A new artwork has been installed for Saffron Walden which explores what makes the town unique.
The light installations were produced by local artist and writer Hannah Jane Walker, and funded by Essex County Council's Arts and Cultural Fund.
They have been installed in three outward facing windows at Bicicletta coffee shop in Market Walk, and will be in place until the end of November.
Three different phrases are displayed as part of the installation. To decide on the phrases, Hannah took to the street with a clipboard on market day and stopped people to talk to them.
Hannah Jane Walker's art installation in Bicicletta, Saffron Walden (Image: Nick Edwards)
She asked them to say what they think is unique about Saffron Walden, whether they think the town is coping well with change, and what they hope for the town's future.
The first phrase, 'A quietly radical past', was chosen to reflect the quietly radical people that have lived in the town in the past, many of them in alignment with Quaker beliefs.
These include people who have campaigned for the working week, safe labour conditions, equal rights, family planning and more.
Hannah Jane Walker's art installation in Bicicletta, Saffron Walden (Image: Nick Edwards)
The second, 'Views, old ties, timber', was chosen because many people talk about field views as a key characteristic of Saffron Walden, because a lot of residents have old ties to the town and families have lived there for multiple generations, and because of the town's timber buildings - with the double meaning of something which is possibly falling down.
The third phrase, 'A place to care for', was chosen because of the many people Hannah spoke to who want to protect the town as it changes.
Other phrases from Hannah's research which were not made into neon were instead made into a print by local graphic designer Maisey Gosnall.
Saffron Walden artist Hannah Jane Walker (Image: Alexandra Cameron)
Hannah, who grew up in Saffron Walden and returned to live there with her family in 2017, said: "I have seen and am seeing the town change considerably. Some for the worse, some for the better.
"I wanted to make a piece of work to offer the town that stimulated conversation amongst residents.
"I wanted to ask ‘can a town change and keep what makes it unique.’ I think we can all call to mind a town that has grown, changed and lost its character.
"As rents rise, independent shops are under threat. As house prices rise, wealthier and wealthier residents move in.
"Change is good, and there is such a thing as good and bad change. And I realise there are many with strong opinions about that. But I think there are things worth fighting for here in this unique town, with a unique history and strong sense of community.
"For a town to keep its character it needs a strong story as to what it is. That is what I want people to talk about more – what is this place, what is it’s story, why protect it, can we manage change well?"
After the end of November, Hannah hopes the installation will find a permanent home in one of the town's public buildings.
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