Made from this Land – Launch

Focal Point Gallery are delighted to invite you to a special opening event for ‘Made from this Land’ by Emma Edmondson, which will take place on Sunday 20th October, 2pm–4pm. Meet at Southchurch Park East for a walk around the brickfields with the artist and an opening speech from Councillor Dent. Everyone is welcome!

‘Made from this Land’ is a new permanent public artwork by Southend based artist Emma Edmondson. This work explores the untold history of local brickfields to create a sculpture trail formed of the clay-rich land it sits on. The public artwork comprises of three sculptures: two brick columns and a brick wall. These are made of over 500 hand-made bricks using Southend clay in collaboration with the community. Located at the boundaries of the historical brickfields, these are accompanied by brass plaques to create a public walking trail.

Edmondson discovered that in the deeds of many houses in Southchurch there is a covenant stating residents are not allowed to make bricks or tiles from the clay underneath their land. As a local resident, Edmondson became interested in these far-removed systems and rules and through this commission wants to start a conversation about agency, land ownership and our connections as humans to the land we live on.

Meeting Point: Southchurch Park East Car Park, Lifstan Way,
Southend-on-Sea Essex SS1 2XE
RSVP to focalpointgallery@southend.gov.uk

Nearest station, Southend East. Check the c2c website for cheap weekend train tickets.