A portrait of Langholm’s people, past & present...

BACKGROUND

Langholm People Project focuses on bringing awareness to Langholm people from history, contrasted with people from present times; drawing parallels between the adversity faced by displaced Polish people resettled in Langholm Camp following WWII and the collective challenges our community has faced during the Covid-19 pandemic. Both issues link Langholm with mass existential crisis, forcing us to confront ourselves in new ways; questioning our living spaces, our priorities, and our lifestyles in unprecedented ways.

Many Polish soldiers lived at Langholm Camp - built on the site of a former military base at Castleholm - following WWII, as part of a national effort to resettle Polish people displaced by war, and their important stories have yet to be collectively shared. The men who settled in the town have made an important contribution to Langholm’s community and culture, and those who remember Langholm first-hand in the days and years following the end of WW1 are dwindling.

The project is part of OPA’s larger ‘A Creative Place’ project funded by Holywood Trust, The Robertson Trust and Muirhall Energy. The project’s exhibition, book and film are sponsored by Langholm Alliance and will feature as part of their 400th Langholm Charter Anniversary programme in September 2021.

OutPost Art’s Creative Director Lucy MacLeod, who is project managing Langholm People Project supported by Sophie Jarzyna, a descendant of one of the resettled Polish men, remarked –

‘OutPost Arts is excited to shine a light on Langholm’s People, their important stories and experiences in the face of adversity, both historic and present day – We’re also extremely pleased to offer paying commissions for Borderlands artists during this very difficult time for freelance creatives, who have really felt the impact of the pandemic.’
ARTIST COMMISSIONS

Three artist commissions will create original work inspired by historic and present-day Langholm people and their experiences. The artists who are all from D&G or the Scottish Borders will also facilitate four school workshops across all three commissions, at Langholm Primary and Academy schools; encouraging young people to engage with art and learn new creative skills/insights.

  • Established Berwick-upon-Tweed based Printmaker Morag Eaton will focus on creating work around the subject of Langholm Camp, connecting with Polish descendants, local historians, and local people with memories of the camp. Morag will also work with a group of senior Langholm Academy pupils over two days in June 2021, sharing her printmaking practise and creatively exploring the theme of ‘displaced people’. Many of their descendants have their own rich archives of stories, letters, and photography for artist Morag Eaton to explore and use as starting points. Supported by one of these descendants, local Potter Sophie Jarzyna, Morag will unpick these stories, accounts, and visuals to create a large-scale narrative piece of work (or several smaller pieces) that honours their experiences and personal journeys.
  • Emerging D&G based multi-media Artist Emily Tough will create four portraits of Langholm’s Covid ‘Action Heroes who made important contributions to their community during the pandemic through their work. Emily will work with P2-4 pupils at Langholm Primary, sharing her model-making practise during a workshop in August 2021.
  • Emerging D&G based Photographer Kyna Hodges will create four portraits of Langholm’s Covid ‘Caring Heroes’ who looked out for Langholm’s more vulnerable local people during the pandemic. Kyna will work with P5-7 pupils at Langholm Primary, sharing her photography practise during a workshop in August 2021.
ABOVE - Work from left to right: Emily Tough, Kyna Hodges & Morag Eaton
EXHIBITION & BOOK

The Langholm People Project Exhibition took place at the Old Post Office (Langholm High St), from Sept 18-25, and featured the final work from the artist commissions alongside 'behind the scenes' photography, and research imagery/objects.  A selection of work from the portraiture competition took pride of place - showcasing local talent and faces to a wide audience. The exhibition formed a key part of the town's 400th anniversary celebration programme.
To commemorate the 400th Anniversary of the signing of the Langholm Charter, a hardback book featuring work created across the whole Langholm People Project will be published and donated to all local libraries, become a ‘creative time-capsule’ for future generations.

Link to online book: HERE
Above: The 'Langholm People' book's cover, with photography by Kyna Hodges
PORTRAITURE COMPETITION
The Langholm People Project's Portraiture Competition encourages people of all ages to explore their creative side; contributing portraits towards a large-scale community exhibition and publication. Via social media, the local newspaper and a poster campaign, the community will be asked to submit portraits following the workshops. A small jury will select winners who will receive up to £100 cash prizes and automatic inclusion in the exhibition. 10-20 additional portraits will also be selected for display. All portraits will be included in the digital presentation and included in the project publication. All primary and academy pupils will be invited to create their own portrait with the support from teaching staff (drawing, painting, collage, and photography considered for inclusion) – x1 Primary and x1 Academy winner will receive a £40 voucher, and x2 runners-up will receive a £10 voucher.
Above: Adult portrait competition winner Sheila Sadler with her drawing of Margaret Poole
Right: The winning portrait was also used to advertise the project's final exhibition event

LANGHOLM PEOPLE community workshops & events

As part of the project's programme, OutPost Arts hosted a programme of portraiture-related zoom sessions/workshops for people of all ages and abilities.