St Christopher’s Arts Project Reopens
'Birth ’til Death: Scrolled Life Stories' is Shortlisted for UK Exhibition of the Year The exhibition From Birth ’til Death: Scrolled Life Stories reopens this week at the Horniman Museum. Through a dramatic instillation of giant painted papyrus scrolls suspended from the ceiling, visitors can learn about the lives and stories of South London’s different communities. From scrolls that tell the stories of recent arrivals, to Londoners whose families have lived here for generations, the exhibition tells the stories of resilience, joy and heartache that is at the centre of all our lives. The project was a result of a partnership between artist R.M. Sánchez-Camus, who was based at St Christopher’s at the time, working with the Horniman’s Community Learning Team and community partner organisations including Arts Network, Three Cs, and Guys & St Thomas’ Health Inclusion Team asylum seekers hostel.
On re-opening, the exhibition will also celebrate its recent shortlisting as UK Exhibition of the Year, for the prestigious Museum and Heritage Awards. R.M. Sánchez-Camus says: “Bringing local community voices into a gallery exhibition is an important marker of validation for those who are often not seen or heard, yet who carry rich and important experiences we can all learn from. The Horniman has a rich collection of objects that tell the story of who we are as people on this earth and this exhibition contributes to that collection with the life stories of present-day Londoners. “Our personal collection of life stories make up the museum of self, continuously archived throughout our life. Each of us is a micro-museum, carrying the history and stories of the times we live in. And what better way to know ourselves than by understanding others.” Open until the 13 June in the Horniman’s contemporary arts space The Studio. Entry to the Horniman, and From Birth ’til Death: Scrolled Life Stories, is free, however visitors (including Members) need to pre-book a timed slot via horniman.ac.uk. For more about St Christopher’s Hospice see: www.stchristophers.org.uk SE23 - June 2021 | 25
