Large crowd packs out the Opening Ceremony and Private View

Guildhall Art Gallery, Guildhall Yard

Dr Andrew Parmley, the Lord Mayor of the City of London was attended by both his Sheriffs at the Opening Ceremony of "Echoes Across the Century"  on 19 April. Guildhall Art Gallery was packed to the rafters where students, Liverymen and members of the City of London Corporation, friends and families mingled to hear speeches and catch a glimpse of this mesmerising and enchanting exhibition.

An "Apothecaries' cabinet"

Over 370 people heard how the project began a few years ago after Producer Alison Truphet visited Jane Churchill's installation "Degrees of Separation". Focusing on those involved in the supply chain the the First World War, Alison and Jane wove together 12 projects each with a different starting point. The project was taken into 12 different schools and, supported by 17 Livery Companies, students investigated stories from behind the scenes of the trades which were so vital to the war effort. With Jane's superb artwork for inspiration, students created their artwork with Jane to reveal their interpretation of the importance of the stories they had discovered. 

 

The heart of "Echoes Across the Century"

 The outcome is astonishing and very moving. Jane spent 5 weeks curating over 600 artworks in a trench-like set transporting the visitor into the world of WW1. Visitors are invited to write messages on labels to hang in the trees. There are lunchtime talks and walk-in workshops by the artist - please visit Guildhall Art Gallery for more information.

Jane Churchill's "Degrees of Separation"