Trail of art installations to be unveiled in Spalding

A new trail of art installations will be placed on buildings around Spalding.

The ARTeFACT project will see eight etched brass pieces aiming to inspire visitors and residents to appreciate the town’s heritage, writes Penelope Baxter.

Neil Baker and Steven Hatton of Lincolnshire based art group Electric Egg have developed the trail in conjunction with Spalding Gentlemen's Society and arts group Transported.

The etchings are inspired by artefacts from the Spalding Gentlemen’s Society collection, including extinct animals bones and items specific to local social and industrial history.

Artists Steve said: “This little known collection is outstanding in its breadth and variety.

“There is so much to explore and so much inspiration to be taken from the museum’s artefacts.

“We want the trail to encourage Spalding to explore this treasure on their doorstop”

The final designs will be unveiled at the official launch on Saturday (July 15), while an interactive app will also bring the etchings to life.

The trail launch will also be accompanied by free activities for all ages in the Market Place under the Transported gazebo, outside the South Holland Centre, between 10am-2pm.

“The museum is an absolute jewel for Spalding and the county, the collection is a remarkable resource for serious historians and for the public to understand the history of the area,” said Transported director Nick Jones.

“The collection is a remarkable resource for serious historians and for the public to understand and appreciate the history of the area and it’s worldwide connections.

“This trail and the plaques connect this all with the public, bringing the town's heritage to life.”

The Gentlemen’s Society museum is free to visit and is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am-4pm.

Further information about the trail will be available at www.sgsoc.org/artefact

What do you think of the new trail? Post your views below or email andrew.brookes@iliffepublishing.co.uk