My work is cross disciplinary, the materials and means subject to the idea. Recent work has come out of research into a family genealogy, in particular the way women are represented in the text of written histories. History as a form of sorting and collecting carries with it issues of difference and exclusion. The absence, silence and disqualification of women in so many historical records are the gaps and omissions I explore in my work.

Proposal for Luton Hoo Walled Garden Project: English Heritage weekend.

I’ve now visited the site several times, looked through some of the archived material in the estate office and met with members of the oral history group.

The scale of the walled garden and the scale and richness of the available material is (almost) overwhelming!

My initial response is to explore the possibility of making a sound piece and my initial research confirms the wealth of material that I could access, though

at this stage it is too soon for me to be firmly committed to the content of the piece.

Because of the likely physical nature of the work it would need to be sited within one of the structures but near enough to an opening/open door for accessible listening, and I have identified one possible site.

Phone: 01582 467430

Email: mary@marydownartist.co.uk

Website: www.marydownartist.co.uk