Exploring stories of change and reclamation at The Wilson

"In this land that we stand on, there are secrets untold, stories hidden, histories waiting to be unearthed" – Ben Edge.

Curated by painter and folklorist Ben Edge, Common Ground invites visitors to explore stories of change, loss, rebellion, and reclamation concerning common land and the natural environment, from Cheltenham and the Cotswolds.

Over centuries, access to common land has dramatically diminished. The Enclosure Acts of the 1750s mark the beginning of a disconnection from the natural world that surrounds us. At one time nearly half of the land in Britain was deemed Common Land, but today it accounts for only three per cent of England. As concerns over the climate emergency intensify, it has become critical to reconsider how we access, connect with, and care for the common land that surrounds our villages, towns, and cities.

Common Ground brings together objects from across The Wilson’s collections to share local histories and explore how changing values and beliefs, and developments in industry, technology and farming have affected the land. Woven into the narrative are acts of defiance which have continually challenged laws around land use and access throughout history.

A series of works by contemporary artists, including new commissions and large-scale installations explore climate concerns, sustainability, migration, post colonial narratives and place making, and engage with practices of reconnecting with and protecting our environment.

Reflecting a range of experiences, processes and materials, exhibiting artists include: Richard C. Blomfield, Dan Hillier, Billy Dosanjh, Claire Partington, Rhian Harris Mussi, David Harrison, Ben Edge, Thistle by Nature and many more.

Common Ground also includes:

• A new site-specific commission by artist Adelaide Damoah, reflecting on Cheltenham’s connections to legacies of slavery and abolition through a series of printed works.
• A new film commission by Boss Morris, an all-female Morris dancing side and creative group based in Stroud, Gloucestershire.
• A supporting programme of engagement activities including family workshops, artist panel discussions, curator-led tours, a ‘Field to Fork’ event celebrating local farmers/locally grown produce, folk music performance, film screening, walking tour and creative workshops for adults exploring themes and ideas within the exhibition.