‘Home’ is an installation currently on the front of Folkestone’s Leas Lift, inspired by the lived experiences of older people in the Folkestone community who were shielding during the 2020-2021 Covid-19 lockdowns and funded by Independent Age.
In response to Kent Coast Volunteering’s Anthology project callout for creative volunteers, artists Maureen Jordan, Katy Murray and Sam Capell collated images provided by users of KCV’s ‘Good Neighbours’ service. These were screen-printed onto white household tiles then affixed to the boarded window at the front of Folkestone’s Leas Lift lower station, on the part of the building housing the pump room to the side of the Leas Lift Café which helps raise funds for the restoration.
The images reflect how people dealt with the passage of time, some favourite pastimes and hobbies, feelings of isolation and expressions of familial love and support and “was a profoundly cathartic experience for many of the participants”, said Katy Murray, Anthology project lead and Good Neighbours Service Folkestone Co-ordinator
“When Folkestone Leas Lift said ‘yes’ to our request to use the front of the building, it all fell into place,” said artist Maureen Jordan. “Many of the images submitted showed a strong sense of place and the Lift is a beloved landmark in Folkestone that signifies happy times remembered and also plans for more fun in the future”.
Originally opening in 1885, the grade II* listed Folkestone Leas Lift is an iconic feature in the town. One of only three remaining water-balanced lifts in the country, the Lift is sadly currently closed with a fundraising and restoration project seeking to restore it to its former Victorian glory.
“We are delighted to host this temporary artwork” said Cathy Beare, Chair of the Folkestone Leas Lift board who are responsible for leading the restoration project. “It reflects the empathy and practical support that Kent Coast Volunteering offers to this community. It is symbolic of all our future hopes and aspirations.”
More information on Folkestone Leas Lift can be found at www.leaslift.co.uk
www.independentage.org
Kent Coast Volunteering offer services and activities across Kent: kcv.org.uk
