Preserving the Past: The Mudlarking Collection
Embark on a historical journey with ArtByKerrie's interactive mudlarking exhibit!
Experience the thrill of discovery and develop a love for history through real, touchable finds..
🕰️ Touring soon across Colchester and Suffolk – dates coming soon!
If you would be interested in hosting this kind of event, please contact me on info@artbykerrie.co.uk
Interactive mudlarking exhibit
At my recent exhibit in Aldham, Colchester, visitors of all ages gathered around the artwork, searching for the hidden treasures within each painting. Children and adults alike enjoyed spotting the real mudlarked finds that inspired each scene — fragments of pottery, glass, and metal that tell quiet stories from centuries past. The exhibition invited curiosity and discovery, encouraging people to look closely and connect the artwork with the layers of history beneath their feet.
Experience the thrill
Alongside my paintings, I shared a table of genuine finds — objects I’ve uncovered while mudlarking along local rivers. Each piece, from a weathered coin to a shard of decorated pottery, was paired with researched historical details, allowing visitors to learn about its origin and significance. I love those moments of conversation — explaining how a single object, once lost, can carry the memory of a person or a place, bridging the gap between the past and the present.
Celebrating Connection
The exhibit was a celebration of connection — between people, art, and history. Every piece in the collection was created using eco-friendly materials and finished with vintage or antique frames, reflecting my commitment to sustainability and the preservation of stories. The energy in the room was full of curiosity and wonder as visitors experienced the rare chance to hold authentic finds that had been buried for hundreds, sometimes thousands, of years. It was an exhibition not just of art, but of discovery, memory, and the beauty of what time leaves behind.