The Project
Art in Adversity is a digital engagement project which collates artwork created by our community during lockdown. The project draws together people’s experiences to consider the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic upon peoples’ mental health. It explores the positive impact that art and creativity can have on our wellbeing.
We started to plan Art in Adversity in late May when our Curatorial Intern, Ffion Boyd, suggested we explore and document how our community has been reacting to the pandemic. Ffion is a postgraduate student at University College London (UCL), finishing her Museum Studies MA in September 2020, and has been conducting her placement remotely with us here at Burgh House since late March. She has been working on this project alongside Curator of Burgh House, Amber Turner, to collate the wonderful artwork and stories that have been shared with us over the summer.
This digital project marks the first of its kind for Burgh House. For those who are familiar with our organisation, you will know that our building is usually bursting with life and activities for everyone to enjoy. Although we cannot operate as we normally would, we wanted to ensure that we were representing our community during this difficult time and providing an opportunity for learning and reflection.
We are thrilled with the amount and quality of work that has been submitted and we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who took the time to tell us about their project and allow their work to become a resource and inspiration for so many.
Burgh House
Built in 1704, during the reign of Queen Anne, Burgh House is a grade-1 listed house situated in the heart of Hampstead Village in North London. A private residence for much of its existence, today Burgh House is an independent, self-funding charity and a dynamic space for art, events and history. Our purpose is to provide a welcoming space where everyone can discover the heritage of Hampstead, through engaging with our collection and participating in a diverse programme of cultural events including exhibitions, talks, concerts and workshops.
Burgh House is also an accredited museum which contains a fascinating collection of objects relating to the history of the house, the local area and its extraordinary residents. The collection was created as an amateur museum by Christopher and Diana Wade in 1979. Since then, the collection has grown to almost 5000 objects, thanks to many generous donations from the public, local institutions and artists.
To find out more about Burgh House please visit our website, where you can join as a member, discover our latest exhibitions and learn more about our fascinating collection.
Art in Adversity 