A portrait of Langholm’s people, past & present...
BACKGROUND
Langholm People Project focused 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 was 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 featured as part of their 400th Langholm Charter Anniversary programme in September 2021.
OutPost Art’s Creative Director Lucy MacLeod, who project managed the 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.’
BACKGROUND
Langholm People Project focused 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 was 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 featured as part of their 400th Langholm Charter Anniversary programme in September 2021.
OutPost Art’s Creative Director Lucy MacLeod, who project managed the 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.’
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Top left and above: Images from personal family archives connected to the Polish servicemen
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ARTIST COMMISSIONS
Three artist commissions resulted in a collection of original work inspired by historic and present-day Langholm people and their experiences.
The artists who are all based in the Borderlands also facilitated a programme of school workshops; encouraging young people to engage with art and learn new creative skills/insights.
Established Berwick-upon-Tweed based Printmaker Morag Eaton focused on creating work around the subject of Langholm Camp, connecting with Polish descendants, local historians, and local people with memories of the camp. Many of the descendants shared 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 Ceramicist Sophie Jarzyna - Morag explored these stories, accounts, and visuals in order to create three large-scale narrative pieces of works that honour their experiences and personal journeys.
Three artist commissions resulted in a collection of original work inspired by historic and present-day Langholm people and their experiences.
The artists who are all based in the Borderlands also facilitated a programme of school workshops; encouraging young people to engage with art and learn new creative skills/insights.
Established Berwick-upon-Tweed based Printmaker Morag Eaton focused on creating work around the subject of Langholm Camp, connecting with Polish descendants, local historians, and local people with memories of the camp. Many of the descendants shared 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 Ceramicist Sophie Jarzyna - Morag explored these stories, accounts, and visuals in order to create three large-scale narrative pieces of works that honour their experiences and personal journeys.
Emerging D&G based Photographer Kyna Hodges created four powerful portraits of Langholm’s Covid ‘Caring Heroes’ - a group of local women who founded a support group in order to facilitate a town response to the pandemic, helping to coordinate food deliveries and a 'listening ear' service that helped vulnerable local people.
Kyna also hosted a photography workshop with P5-7 pupils at Langholm Primary, facilitating a cyanotype session. She also marked the occasion by taking a special class photograph using her wet plate collodion process then demonstrated her unique development techniques for the pupils in real time, much to their fascination.
Kyna also hosted a photography workshop with P5-7 pupils at Langholm Primary, facilitating a cyanotype session. She also marked the occasion by taking a special class photograph using her wet plate collodion process then demonstrated her unique development techniques for the pupils in real time, much to their fascination.
Emerging D&G based multi-media Artist Emily Tough created four model portraits of Langholm’s Covid ‘Action Heroes' who made important contributions to their community during the pandemic through their work.
Emily also facilitated a self-portraiture workshop with junior pupils at Langholm Primary, supporting the pupils to create joyous large-scale cut out representations of themselves that captured their characters in playful ways.
Emily also facilitated a self-portraiture workshop with junior pupils at Langholm Primary, supporting the pupils to create joyous large-scale cut out representations of themselves that captured their characters in playful ways.
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 an open call 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.
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 an open call 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.
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To commemorate the 400th Anniversary of the signing of the Langholm Charter, a hardback book featuring work created across the whole Langholm People Project was published and donated to local libraries, become a ‘creative time-capsule’ for future generations. (see below for digital version)
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Scottish Registered Charity: SC048764
Email:
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