Building on the success of last year’s lovely Riverspeaking project… Hull Maritime and I present CLOVERLORE!
Join me across October and November in a six-week collaborative and creative exploration of Hull’s South Blockhouse’s natural, historic and cultural heritage.
The South Blockhouse used to be part of a maritime fortress scheme built under the orders of Henry VIII between 1541-43, but now remains the only section of Hull’s historic town defenses that escaped destruction following the urbanisation of the 1800s. It’s distinctive cloverleaf shape, designed by 16th century engineer John Rogers, is unique to England and serves as a rich starting point in this unique CloverLore project.
Together we’ll explore themes by creating a range of artistic responses based on 16th-century(ish) superstition, beliefs and folklore about clover.
What?
A six week participatory creative research programme this autumn, inspired by the South Blockhouses unique clover shape by investigating the folklore, superstition and stories that surround the ‘clover’ plant.
CloverLore isn’t a ‘taught’ series of workshops, but rather a gentle, cocreative and semi-guided artistic investigation into a fascinating aspect of history. We will collectively learn about things, make decisions together and encourage each others thinking as we go along.
But although ‘process’ is more important than ‘product’ throughout CloverLore, Lauren will support participants in developing their own avenues of thinking and making.
Why?
To celebrate the heritage of the South Blockhouse, and understand what we can learn from old folk knowledge in how we relate and connect to the Land and Sea.
Where?
Taking place across pubicaly accessible indoor and outdoor venues across Hull City Centre (e.g. Hull History Centre and Central Library), the South Blockade heritage-site, and local communal spaces such as Trinity Market and local cafes.
When?
🍀Info Drop-In (In-person) – Between 1-2pm on Fri 27 Sept at the Venue Cafe at Hull Central Library
🍀 Info Drop-In (Online) – Between 5-6pm on Tues 1 Oct on Zoom (DM/Email for link)
🍀 Induction date: 1-2pm on Fri 18 October
🍀 Workshop dates: 1-4pm on 25 October and 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 November.
Who?
- Open to anyone 18+ living in Hull who can commit to all delivery dates.
- 12 places are available on a first come, first serve basis.
- Due to limited space please do not sign up unless you intend to commit to all six sessions (plus the induction).
- Please mind that participants will not be able to join in part-way through.
Access?
- CloverLore is a relaxed and informal participatory project that will involve lots of conversation and collaboration.
- Participants won’t be asked to do anything they’re uncomfortable with and there’s no expectations to produce lots of artwork or writing.
- Personal Assistants / Supporters / Carers are very welcome to come along and get involved.
- There is a small access pot available to help pay for the little things that might be a barrier for some CloverLore participants, such as bus fare or buying a warm drink.
- There is also another pot via Hull Maritime we can tap into for a translator.
- Due to the semi-outdoor nature of the project, CloverLore does require some level of physical ability. You won’t be expected to do back-flips along the Marina in the snow, but participants will need to be outdoors and walk between locations in potentially wintery weather, or walk around on uneven ground (such as dig sites). Wrapping up is a must!
The Artist?
Lauren Saunders is a Hull-based visual and participatory artist. She often works collaboratively with people and place to help both human and ‘more-than-human’ communities tell their stories about nature and the climate crisis. You can learn more about her work by exploring this website!
Funders?
This project is commissioned by Hull Maritime as one of its Creative Communities projects.
How to Book?
Simply leave your details in this Google Form – https://forms.gle/kF94ZFa7fm61LDpC6. Available on a first come first serve basis!
For any other enquiries, email hello@laurensaundersart.co.uk.
Fun clover stories you might not have known about!
🍀 Clover is a fantastic nitrogen-fixing and carbon-storing cover crop that prevents water-loss and soil erosion. Better than a grass lawn!
🍀 Clover is a pioneer plant – meaning it’s often the first to grow in disturbed land. It thrives in poor soil conditions and helps to stabilise and improve soil quality for other plants to follow
🍀 There are studies into how some species of clover can absorb and detoxify polluting heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and zinc
🍀 The chance of finding a four-leaf clover is approximately 1 to 75,000 – which is why finding one is considered lucky!
🍀 Four-leaf clover genes can also produce more leaves, although that is even rarer. The most leaves found on a clover stem is 56, discovered in Japan in 2009.
🍀 Both the leaves and flowers of clover are edible and can be used in salads or soups, or used to make tea. There are some risks for some people though, so do your own research!
Fun clover stories you might not have known about!
🍀 Not only is clover associated with luck, but also love, protection and enhancing psychic abilities (especially seeing spirits and fairies!)
🍀 Celtic traditions associated clover with the goddess Brigid, who represented fertility, healing and poetry
🍀Clover is also a powerful Christian symbol; St Patrick used clover to explain the three-in-one nature of the Holy Spirit, and Eve took some from the Garden of Eden to remind her of paradise
🍀 Placing a four-leafed clover under your tongue immediately after finding it would give you the ability to communicate with animals
🍀 Clover was once worn by men to avoid military service. But if they did have to go to war, clover could be sewn into uniforms to prevent death or rubbed on weapons to ensure they’d never miss!
🍀 Families of sailors would sometimes tend to clover in their gardens to ensure the safe return of those at sea
🍀 Napoleon supposedly dodged a fatal bullet because he bent over to look at a four-leaf clover!!