Rochford: A Creative Legacy
A programme of over 20 community workshops took place across the district, covering Rayleigh, Rochford, Hockley, Great Wakering and Hullbridge.
Each workshop facilitated the exploration of the Victorian photographic process: cyanotype, combined with experimental drawing, mark making and hand stitch.
Every participant was invited to make their mark, taking inspiration from historical maps and photographs researched from Rayleigh Town Museum archives as well as visuals of local nature and historical green spaces.
Members of the local community were also invited to draw upon their own memories and family archives, favourite walks and personal experiences/stories of their home towns to be represented within their artworks. An exhibition celebrating the project took place at Holy Trinity Church, Rayleigh in August 2024.
More information HERE
Over 500 individual artworks were pieced together across 10 interchangable pannels to form an abstract map running along an appliqued River Roach and River Croach.
The mural was installed at Rayleigh Mill Arts and Events Centre through May 2023 and then exhibited at Rayleigh Mill. In August 2024, the project was installed at Holy Trinity Church in Rayleigh amongst new works.
Activities focused on engagment with local history, creative skills that promote wellbeing and connection through process working across the intergenerational community of Rochford District.
A big thank you to all the participants who have attended the workshops including:
Mike, Sheila, and volunteers at Rayleigh Town Museum
Trust Links members and youth groups
Friends of the Holy Trinity Church, Rayleigh
Students and staff of Rochford Hospital PRU
Swayne Secondary School
Grove Wood Primary School
All our workshop participants
and the communities of Rochford District
Engagement
Documentation of our community engagement and workshops across Rochford.
Starting with Rayleigh Museum.
Philippa Stewart © 2026. All Rights Reserved.