A poem for Essex

Earlier this year, artists Walter and Zoniel invited Essex residents to submit their memories, personal tales and deep-rooted connections to help form a poetic tapestry across the county.

Drawing inspiration from these stories and sentiments, the poem was planned to intertwine the lives, experiences and dreams of those who call Essex home, a place of work, or who share a profound connection with it.

In September Walter and Zoniel installed the temporary artwork across five green spaces and it is now available for communities to enjoy. Stretching across the county - from the Medieval town of Saffron Waldon in the north west to the heritage coastal site of Jaywick Martello Tower in the north east, along with Thorndon South Country Park in Brentwood to the Thames Estuary at Hadleigh Country Park and the west coast at Southend-onSea - residents are encouraged to experience this multi-site artwork and reflect on what these places and spaces mean to them.

Zoniel said: “We believe that art should be a shared experience, reflecting the collective soul of a community. Through this poetic treasure hunt, we hope to engage people in a profound way, encouraging them to rediscover their connections to Essex.”

Explore the trail across our county and experience this unique poem for Essex.

Locations include:

Thorndon Country Park South, South Brentwood Road, West Horndon.

Hadleigh Country Park, Chapel Ln, Hadleigh, Benfleet.

Jaywick Martello Tower, The Promenade, Belsize Ave, Jaywick, Clacton-on-Sea.

Priory Park, Victoria Ave, Southend-on-Sea.

Jubilee Gardens, Saffron Walden.

You might be interested to know that the paint used is a water-based, biodegradable and environmentally friendly product that is non-harmful to humans, animals and the environment.

Visit: www.explore-essex.com/events