Large projects and commissions accomplished
Haiku by Basho
It all began with an idea. It was Inger’s idea to create a unique book publication: each book containing carefully and lovingly created original handmade woodcuts and individually written calligraphy. Each book was handbound by John and Diane Beedle. The logistics of this fascinating project boggled our mind, but it was great fun. The first edition sold very quickly, and we discussed a 2nd edition - unfortunately the quote for yet another copyright payment was too high for us to be able to continue.
As for these logistics mentioned before: each artist involved had to think of the other artist in the way we had to plan things out. We had to communicate closely and there was a very small margin of error.
The non adhesive book binders had the paper to think about: it is a quality Zerkall paper and we needed to adhere to the “folding of the grain”. At the same time, we had to work out the numbering of the pages, because of it being bound in signatures. So the same folded paper folds into other paper, changing the page order. We had to be sure the right haiku in calligraphy had to be on the right side page of the original printed right woodcut on the left page. (I told you it was mind boggling 🤷🏼♀️🤣)
Dorien’s verdict: “A big challenge, but I would do it again, any time!”
Chain Bridge Honey Farm
Large Project:
A hive of five rooms of information
What started with “Dorien…could you write some information on honeybees in calligraphy framed to add to the wall…” became a major eight year project.
At the Chain Bridge Honey Farm visitor centre you can find five exciting colourful information rooms on bees of the world, honey, honey products, and anything related to bees, whether a picture of a honeybee stamp from Venezuela, or info on Nepalese honey hunters.
It was a great experience to work closely with very knowledgable Willie and Daphne Robson, and Ann Middleditch. Meetings with Ann happened regularly, where Ann would masterly lay out texts and pictures and we would plan for the next part of a wall or corner.
Each information panel or frame shows original calligraphy and displays some beautiful photos of honeybees or bees of the world.
At the top of the displays you can admire the original murals of local scenery by Tony Johnson
Some of the honey related bookmarkers sold at the Honey Farm
Lady Waterford Gallery
The Lady Waterford Gallery is a beautiful, unusual, building on the Ford & Etal Estates near Berwick upon Tweed. Louisa Anne, Marchioness of Waterford, spent 21 years of her life painting biblical scenes, using local villagers as her models. The murals are watercolour paintings on paper stretched on wooden panels. It was Louisa, who started this building as a school for the local children, and it was a popular school.
Dorien worked here as Curator for 16 years with some lovely hardworking staff, welcoming many visitors and guiding tour groups from all over the UK as well as abroad.
The Gallery also serves as the local village hall, so many an event is held here, from exhibition to carpet bowls, from wedding to antiques auction.
Some of Dorien’s role involved:
Advisory in indoor and outdoor display boards
The major overhaul of rehanging all of Louisa’s smaller original artwork that are displayed under her large murals.
Daily running of the Museum and Village Hall
Obtaining funding for several projects, facilitating local artists to be involved as well as involving members of the community
Initiating Accreditation Award National Museums, which we received
Supporting obtaining the Hudson Heritage Award Winner.
Getting funding, facilitating and supporting Alysoun Sharpe from Shadowcat Films to make a 25 minute film on the murals and the school/gallery, which became a bestseller in the Museum
Organising Music Days, Markets, Poetry and Book readings, and Dorien is a founding member of the popular Christmas Fayre.
Award Quality Assured Visitor Attraction
Starting hands on Victorian activities and games for children
The building served as a school from 1860 to 1957. At its peak it housed 134 children. Visitors told Dorien and staff several stories how they had to get to school from many miles away through rough weathers… They sometimes had to dry their clothes by the two coal fireplaces (which of course caused some damage to the murals).
You can just see the roof, which was a scissor beam roof.
Miriam and Moses, a watercolour mural at the Lady Waterford Gallery
Joseph and his brothers, watercolour mural
Calendar of the Soul
by Rudolf Steiner
This booklet was a collaboration of Fiona Tweedale and Dorien
The booklet was made for staff and young people at a College for Further Education in Rhandirmwyn, Wales. Fiona Tweedale was one of the first contributors of flowers and herbs to Rescue Remedies of Bach Remedies, and an excellent Art teacher at this College. She was Dorien’s mentor to becoming a painting and pastels teacher herself.