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From a Bermondsey champion swimmer to a world music star – a chance to hear real stories from the Elephant and Castle
Published 1 December 2011
The Cuming Museum’s exhibition Elephant in focus: home from home is now open, and it presents a snapshot of the Elephant and Castle at the beginning of the 21st century.
The exhibition includes portraits of local people, ranging from a Glastonbury playing ska musician Natty Bo, to Dennis, a locally born former marathon winner and boxer, to one of the first ever residents on the Heygate.
Their stories and photos form the core of the new exhibition, which runs until next February.
The exhibition showcases the work of Slovenian-born photographer Eva Sajovic who looks to reveal personality and counter negative stereotypes through her work. Images are accompanied by words in the exhibition by writer Sarah Butler who is fascinated with our relationship with places.
Eva and Sarah are the Cuming Museum's first ever artists in residence and will remain on site until January.
Cllr Veronica Ward, cabinet member for culture, leisure, sport and the Olympics at Southwark Council, said:
"I'm delighted to welcome our first ever artists in residence. The work that Eva and Sarah have done in this exhibition is terrific, and I'd urge everyone to come along and learn about the interesting stories that lie within our community."
Eva Sajovic added:
"We're thrilled to have Home from Home exhibited at the Cuming museum. Our residency is allowing us to continue to collect stories from the local area, and to connect these with objects and stories from the museum's collection."
Background Information
The exhibition presents a snapshot of the Elephant and Castle at the beginning of the 21st century. From the heart of the shopping centre, to the spaces tucked beneath the railway arches, to the Heygate estate, Home from home celebrates the rich diversity of the area, and unearths the stories and memories of those who have made the Elephant their home.
The exhibition runs from 22 November 2011 to 18 February 2012.
Artists in residence
The Arts Council funded residency explores the themes of collecting, home, immigration and diversity through a series of free workshops, conversations and talks. The project will culminate in new interpretations of the museum's permanent Cuming Family gallery in December. View more at the project blog
Events programme
The Elephant in focus: home from home exhibition is accompanied by a lively events programme which includes:
Saturday 3 December, 2.30pm
Photo Trail - A trail of photographs and stories around the Elephant and Castle shopping centre. Please join us for a walk to launch the trail. Meet at 2.30pm at the shopping centre entrance near La Bodeguita.
Thursday 8 December, 6pm
Evening talk - Artist Eva Sajovic and writer Sarah Butler discuss their work.
