| Nature of Enquiry | To whom it may concern
Apologies for sending this without a contact name for this email. I wasn’t really sure who to contact, but hopefully you can point me in the right direction. I have a bit of an odd request..
I’m writing from Camden Arts Centre. We will be opening an exhibition of Scottish artist, Ruth Ewan, here at Camden Arts Centre in January and were hoping that you might be interested in collaborating with us for one of the educational events.
This exhibition draws on the French Revolutionary Calendar, which removed all religious connotations, instead naming each of the 365 days after seasonal plants, flowers tress, animals and agricultural tools. Ewan will collect all 365 items, transforming the gallery space into a visual and tactile calendar. Ewan is keen to present a living, breathing calendar with as many of the items alive as possible. Obviously poses quite a challenge, and so we are working with various specialists botanists to work out how to present the vast collection of flora and fauna in the space for the duration of the show. I am attaching the press release for the project, with more details.
The exhibition focuses on the taxonomy of nature and its relationship to time, history, politics and society. We are especially keen to hold education events for children and families that explore the seasons relationship to animals, plants and food. As part of this programme, we hope to hold a day event where animals referenced in the calendar will visit Camden Arts Centre (probably in our gardens rather than the gallery itself), with specialists on hand to explain the historical and social importance of these animals.
We’d be really delighted if Surrey Docks Farm would be interested in collaborating with us for this event. However, I have no idea if this would be possible, do you ever take the animals out to projects?
If so, it would be amazing to find a time to come to speak with you. I’ve listed the animals that are referenced on the calendar below, obviously it would be impossible to have them all visit – and I’m sure you don’t keep all of them anyway (some especially are rather far-fetched!) - but it would be wonderful if you think we might be able possible for even a small number of them to visit one day. We are provisionally thinking about Saturday 28th March 2015, but we can be flexible to suit your availability.
It would be great to get a chance for our two organisations to work together, do let me know what you think. I look forward to hearing from you. Please email me direct: sophie.williamson@camdenartscentre.org
Warmest wishes,
Sophie
(sent on behalf of Sophie)
Animals referenced in the calendar:
Cat
Rabbit
Calf
Goat
Billy goat
Chamois Goat
Mule
Horse
Ram
Ewe
Bull
Cow
Ox
Donkey
Pig
Dog
Otter
Roe Deer
Hen
Pigeon
Nightingale
Duck
Quail
Guinea fowl
Goose
Pheasant
Turkey
--
Sophie Williamson
Exhibitions Organiser
Camden Arts Centre
Arkwright Road
London
NW3 6DG
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