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Binswood Allotments has a rich local history. Binswood Allotment Society was formed in 1920 as the Binswood Ex-Servicemen’s Allotment Society. The land was leased by the Council from the Percy Estate for all returning Ex-Servicemen from the First World War. Each person was given a plot, a pig and a load of manure, the plot was big enough to feed a family of four with fresh fruit and vegetables. Since that time the allotments have been in continuous use by the Society and today having 125 members working 165 plots. Each plot is approximately 10 yards wide by 30 yards long (9.1m x 27.4m). Its location is quite hidden and not known to the average Leamingtonian. Many of the allotments already have sculptural qualities in themselves made by creative allotment holders and together with the added artworks from Prime Project participants would create a stunning trail for visitors. The sculpture trail would benefit the Allotment Society and the local community by making the public aware of this hidden nature spot in Leamington and that it should stay safe from property developers. It is also proven that working outdoors in nature has got therapeutical qualities; just as making art is beneficial for one’s health.
Prime Project Group: Allotment 3D Sculpture Trail, 2019
• We are a group of around a dozen women artists living in and around Leamington Spa
• Our names are Karen (Karen Stephenson who has the plot next to Kristen), Tammy, Sally L,, Sally C, Suminder, Katharine, Grace, Deborah, Nicola, Angie and Mary
• Karen and Tammy are the main organisers and contacts (via Kristen, Chairman Binswood Allotment Society)
• We would like to install a temporary sculpture train which is both site-specific and sensitive to the environment of the Ex-Servicemen's Allotment
• Our idea is that we would like to make sculptures sympathetic to the allotment environment and which refer to its history (e.g. the pigs, the birds and animals, and the plants which abound; the creativity of allotmenteers who are 'making do and mend'; the health benefits of allotments, both mental and physical health; an introductory event to celebrate next year's 100-year anniversary of the allotment and to start to gather stories from the past and present, and help people reflect and remember all the history and stories that have accumulated over time)
• We would like to install all 10 or 12 works by on particular plots which have mostly already been informally agreed with keen allotmenteers (e.g. Karen Stephenson, Bonnie and her neighbour, Alex, Kristen and some others)
• The opening event would involve us contributing tea and coffee, cakes and nibbles, perhaps some wine and beer - all to be negotiated with you, and perhaps we could do some fund-raising for the allotment either by charging or by donation
• The sculptures would ideally be there for one month only (but some allotmenteers might want to keep their pieces?). We promise there will not be paper blowing about or any litter created or any rotten pieces of anything hanging around, or anything ugly and plastic
• Careful maps will be provided by us and sculptures will be by the normal paths already provided, and it will be in a circular walk from Karen/Kristen's allotments, up the path, round the bend to the Community Hut and back. No carrot trampling!
Photo below: some of the Prime Project artists during a walk around the allotments
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