Nattering by Morecambe based artist Jamie Jenkinson will be installed at Millom Library on Friday 21 June 2024.

Jamie developed this work during his artist/researcher residency with the University of Cumbria, funded by Arts Council England and Cumberland Council, where he looked at cultural landscapes alongside human-nature relationships.

The artwork is an expanded audio archive and was recorded over 30 days while bikepacking in the local area. Listen through headsets to the re-recorded cassette tapes whilst taking in the accompanying ceramics which have been fired with local pigment and adorned with local flower pressings.

Nattering is the third in a series of artworks to be revealed which offer additional points of interest along the Cumbrian Coast.

Darren Crossley, Cumberland Council’s Director of Place Sustainable Growth and Transport, said:

“The coastal programme aims to strengthen the coastal destination offer for both residents and visitors and increase sustainable employment opportunities by shining the spotlight on Cumbria’s largely undiscovered stretch of coastline.

Speaking about the artwork, Jamie Jenkinson said:

“Cumbria’s west coast is a complex place. It can be raw, kind, quiet, extreme, dangerous, whimsical, beautiful, surprising; all at once. This collection tries to translate some of these feelings, which I hope are felt by Millom Library visitors.”

Alison Graham, Assistant Director for Customer Solutions at Cumberland Council added:

“We are delighted to provide a welcoming space at Millom Library, situated in Millom Community Hub, for both new visitors and existing library users. This is a perfect opportunity for those visiting to engage with art, whilst at the same time developing a greater appreciation for the area’s rich heritage and natural environment. Jamie’s artwork is very accessible, and the library’s comfortable surroundings are ideal to allow exploration of the installation.”

In addition to this installation, Cumberland Council has also supported Lake District National Park Authority with the development of the Eskdale Trail, featuring local artist Chris Brammell, installed Ryan Gander’s Chronos Kairos 23:59 at Seascale and last month installed By Sound Near Sea Wall by Susan Philipsz at Whitehaven Harbour.

The council is working with other partners and will be revealing further commissioned artworks at various coastal locations during 2024.

Other completed elements of the Coastal programme that aim to bring art, adventure and improved infrastructure to the coast are as follows:

• Improvements to cycleways and footpaths at Eskdale Trail Excitement as Eskdale Trail is improved : Lake District National Park and St Bees path
• New activities at Muncaster Castle Play Areas at Muncaster Castle | Yeti Adventure Quarry, Adventure Playground, Enchanted Trail
• Supporting inclusive cycling through Wheels for All events and taster sessions in Whitehaven and Millom
• Six West Cumbria Tale Trail maps for Whitehaven, Silecroft, Ravenglass, St Bees, Seascale and Haverigg Story Maps and Walks Exploring Heritage, Wildlife & Folklore (taletrails.co.uk)
• Silecroft café nearing completion – the next stage is to secure an operator.