Fougou, Me, and Mosaic: A Tapestry of Heritage
Fougou, Me, and Mosaic: A Tapestry of Heritage engaged young people from Redruth in a creative journey that connected them with their local heritage. The project centered on Halliggye Fogou, an ancient and enigmatic site, inspiring young people to reflect on their identity, community, and the relevance of heritage in their lives. Through a site visit and collaborative mosaic workshops, they explored Cornish history and their personal experiences, culminating in a lasting piece of community art.
The visit to Halliggye Fogou provided participants with a unique opportunity to explore a heritage site distinct from the mining history typically associated with Redruth. Writer Sarah Connors guided them through sensory mapping activities, encouraging them to document what they could hear, see, and feel. Inside the fogou, they wrote short poems inspired by its atmosphere. Later, the group discussed the significance of places in their lives, reflecting on spaces they hoped would endure for future generations, from family homes to local landmarks like Kennel Vale and Wheal Coates.
Following the visit, participants collaborated with artist Sarah Sullivan in Redruth to design and create a mosaic artwork. Divided into themes of past, present, and future, the mosaic blended traditional Cornish heritage with the participants’ unique perspectives. Through hands-on learning in etching and ceramic painting, the workshop fostered creativity and teamwork.
It’s installation at The Ladder will serve as a lasting testament to the participants’ creativity and connection to their heritage.
This project was funded English Heritage as part of their Reverberate programme.
