Window of former Beales store in Spalding will be Transported into a mermaid scene inspired by Donington's Laura Hudson

The window of the empty Beales department store in Spalding will soon be given a facelift thanks to a new art installation.

Transported and South Holland District Council are working together to brighten up the high street by asking people to share their life stories and memories and turn them into art.

Those stories will be turned into handcrafted pieces of artwork called ‘book nooks’ (a model scene on a bookshelf between books) by designer makers Kathleen Smith and Laura Mabbutt. When completed they will be displayed in the window of Beales in Market Place, which closed last March.

One book nook has been inspired by professional mermaid performer Laura Hudson of Donington who got in touch to share her story and worked with artist Kathleen.

Laura, ‘Mermaid Twinkle’, was Miss Mermaid UK 2018/19 and placed top ten at internationals. She won Miss Ocean World UK 2020/21 and Miss Ocean World Europe 2021.

As a professional mermaid Laura has attracted much media attention, including filming for Channel 4’s ‘My Other Life’ short documentary series.

Laura said: “I love the idea of the project, especially as people start to walk down the street again and see something unusual in a window. It will make them really curious to see all the little details of this miniature world. It will brighten up Spalding after such a dark, difficult and lengthy time with the pandemic and lockdowns.

“I can’t wait to see what my book nook looks like and I’m really curious to see how Kathleen has been inspired by my story. I can’t wait to see it on display, encourage others to go and see it, and then be able to display it with pride in my own home after the project has finished. I am buzzing with excitement again, so I would encourage others with amazing stories to tell to also get in touch and take part. I never thought I was going to be someone of any importance or standing in life, growing up being really shy. I am honoured to have taken part and to be living my dream life with a ‘mermazing’ story to tell.”

To have your own story turned into a book nook email: transportedart@gmail.com or call 07984 859575.