Fragile Dreamers
A series of photos created in 2015 for 'Fragile Dreams in Solid Stone', a joint exhibition with fellow members of The Green Man Gallery in Buxton. For this exhibition we drew inspiration from the past, present and possible future of the building which houses the gallery: a dilapidated Victorian building in the centre of town called Hardwick Hall.
The Green Man Gallery occupies the ground floor and part of the first floor of this building which was originally an extension to the Peak Hydropathic Hotel. Built in 1896, Hardwick Hall did service as a Canadian army hospital during World War 1 and has had many other uses including a long association with the Buxton Branch of the British Legion. Much of the building is in a very poor state of repair. Discussions have begun about the future of Hardwick Hall and many people support the idea of developing it as a creative hub for the community.
Hover over the photo and select 'Play' to start the slide show.
A series of photos created in 2015 for 'Fragile Dreams in Solid Stone', a joint exhibition with fellow members of The Green Man Gallery in Buxton. For this exhibition we drew inspiration from the past, present and possible future of the building which houses the gallery: a dilapidated Victorian building in the centre of town called Hardwick Hall.
The Green Man Gallery occupies the ground floor and part of the first floor of this building which was originally an extension to the Peak Hydropathic Hotel. Built in 1896, Hardwick Hall did service as a Canadian army hospital during World War 1 and has had many other uses including a long association with the Buxton Branch of the British Legion. Much of the building is in a very poor state of repair. Discussions have begun about the future of Hardwick Hall and many people support the idea of developing it as a creative hub for the community.
Hover over the photo and select 'Play' to start the slide show.
About 'Fragile Dreamers'
When I first looked round Hardwick Hall I felt sadness for the long-neglected and abandoned spaces but I was also excited by their potential.
On the second floor there is a large open space where the internal walls of the original hotel bedrooms were removed long ago. Walking into this space, I immediately visualised it as a multi-purpose performing arts studio. I knew where the mirrors and the barre would be for dancers; I could hear the orchestras, bands and singers and see the actors rehearsing.
I see these things every time I visit that space. At the same time, the history of the building crowds in on me and I sense the people who have spent time there over the decades. Traces of every occupancy remain: hotel, First World War army hospital, college, offices, someone’s home (the ‘Warden's Flat’), the British Legion Club and years and years of poppies every November.
Now it’s our turn - the artists and the creative community we are building around The Green Man Gallery.
A very important part of that community are the young people who engage with the gallery so I took two of them – a musician and a dancer – up to the second floor and told them about my vision. These photographs – and about 50 more – are the result.
I’ve tried to capture moments where past, present and a possible future meet. Most of the effects were created in the camera but I have also manipulated the colouring slightly in order to echo some of the faded, yellowing interiors
Caroline Small
July 2015
When I first looked round Hardwick Hall I felt sadness for the long-neglected and abandoned spaces but I was also excited by their potential.
On the second floor there is a large open space where the internal walls of the original hotel bedrooms were removed long ago. Walking into this space, I immediately visualised it as a multi-purpose performing arts studio. I knew where the mirrors and the barre would be for dancers; I could hear the orchestras, bands and singers and see the actors rehearsing.
I see these things every time I visit that space. At the same time, the history of the building crowds in on me and I sense the people who have spent time there over the decades. Traces of every occupancy remain: hotel, First World War army hospital, college, offices, someone’s home (the ‘Warden's Flat’), the British Legion Club and years and years of poppies every November.
Now it’s our turn - the artists and the creative community we are building around The Green Man Gallery.
A very important part of that community are the young people who engage with the gallery so I took two of them – a musician and a dancer – up to the second floor and told them about my vision. These photographs – and about 50 more – are the result.
I’ve tried to capture moments where past, present and a possible future meet. Most of the effects were created in the camera but I have also manipulated the colouring slightly in order to echo some of the faded, yellowing interiors
Caroline Small
July 2015