The internationally famous Caravan Gallery shines a spotlight on Wombwell

Barnsley Museums have invited artists and photographers Jan Williams and Chris Teasdale to bring their unique mobile gallery to the streets of Wombwell.

Their bright yellow caravan - a lovingly reincarnated1969 Bluebird Europe - will make its Wombwell debut on the High Street next to Gabby’s Florists on Saturday 14 September during the Heritage Open Day weekend. Further market day appearances will follow over the course of a month.

The Wombwell Pride of Place Project - part exhibition, part alternative visitor information and an honest exploration of Wombwell past, present and future, will see The Caravan Gallery host an evolving exhibition celebrating the characteristics, community initiatives and creativity of the town and the people who live there. The exciting project, whose aim is to engage and connect the local community, has been made possible through the generosity of Arts Council England.

The caravan will be visiting Wombwell on the following dates; Tuesday 17 September, Tuesday 24 September, Friday 27 September, Saturday 28 September, Tuesday 1 October, Friday 4 October, Saturday 5 October and Tuesday 8 October  

Visitors are invited to come and see Williams’ and Teasdale’s photographs of local people and places, and get involved in the project by marking places of personal significance on a hand drawn People’s Map of Wombwell.

People can make their voices heard by taking part in an unusually entertaining survey which asks ‘What slogan would you put on a Welcome to Wombwell sign?’, ‘What attractions or hidden treasures would you show visitors?’ and ‘How do you express your creativity?’

The exhibition will grow as people add their stories, memories and hopes for the future to the display along with loans and donations of Wombwell-related arts, crafts and memorabilia - some of which will go on show in a museum case in Wombwell Library.

A photography competition asking, ‘What does Wombwell mean to you?’ will run throughout the project. Competition entries will be exhibited in Wombwell Library with winners announced at the project’s closing celebration on Thursday, 10 October.

Additional events will include a Wombwell History Day in the library on Tuesday, 1 October.

The outcome of this project will be shown in the Cooper Gallery, Barnsley’s exciting art space, in 2021 alongside a major touring exhibition, extra{ordinary Photographs of Britain by The Caravan Gallery.

Cllr Tim Cheetham, Cabinet Spokesperson for Place (Regeneration and Culture) says:

We have an extremely strong sense of community in Barnsley – people are passionate about the area in which they live and are keen to work together to make it the best place it can be. Projects like this are vital in bringing communities together to celebrate their past present and exciting future.

For further information and updates, please visit The Caravan Gallery website and join the Wombwell Pride of Place Project Facebook group.

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