This partnership project with Chrysalis Arts and the North Yorkshire County Records Office uses a different creative lens to explore archives and history.
My research uncovered new information pertaining to the old toll bridge in Selby and was a creative, personal exploration of its origins and history. In autumn 2021 I worked with Barlby Bridge and Barwic Parade primary schools in Selby and artist Hayley Mils Styles and created banners two celebrating 30 years toll free.
The creative outcomes were shown at several locations in 2022 including Selby library, Northallerton County Records Office and Selby Abbey. The project drew in new audiences and new stories about working and traveling across the bridge which was a vital link connecting the town to the surrounding area. An oral history project developed alongside the visual work to allow stories of the toll bridge to be documented and retained for the archive.
My research examined maps and documents in the Northallerton archive related to the first crossing of the river on land owned by Lord Petre of Essex. I travelled to Essex to meet the current Lord Petre, at his home in Ingatestone Hall, and he talked about his Catholic beliefs and family connections to Yorkshire.
Two other districts of North Yorkshire were explored as part of Unfolding Origins, led by artist Carolyn Thompson and filmmakers, Jacob Cartwright and Nick Jordan and this work was shared in the Selby Abbey exhibition.
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