Exhibition Gallery
A reflection of the self: the art and archaeology of East Wear Bay
Co-Curated Exhibition
During September and October 2024, we hosted an exhibition in Folkestone that explored how the past is reflected in the present and how we can interpret archaeology in ways that help us understand the human experience throughout time.
1924 Excavation - Recreated
by Community Artist
A modern recreation of photographs from the original 1924 excavation, connecting past and present archaeological work.
Fragments of Time
by Local Artist
Contemporary artistic response to Roman pottery fragments found at the site.
Hands in the Earth
by Field School Participants
Collaborative artwork created by field school participants during the 2024 excavation season.
Against the Tide
by Photography Student
A photographic series documenting the ongoing coastal erosion at East Wear Bay.
Layers of History
by School Children
Mixed media collage created by local school children inspired by archaeological finds.
Villa Reimagined
by Digital Artist
Digital reconstruction artwork showing how the Roman Villa may have appeared in its prime.
Faces of East Wear Bay
by Portrait Photographer
Portrait series celebrating the volunteers who have contributed to the project.
Method and Discovery
by Documentary Photographer
Photo essay documenting the archaeological process from excavation to preservation.
Objects of Memory
by Community Members
Installation featuring personal objects that connect individual memories to archaeological discoveries.
Landscape: Then and Now
by Local Historian
Comparative study showing the East Wear Bay landscape through different time periods.
Young Perspectives
by Art Students
Artistic interpretations of archaeological finds by local art students.
Tools of Discovery
by Still Life Artist
Still life composition featuring the tools used in archaeological excavation.
Exhibition Themes
Identity & Memory
Exploring how archaeological objects connect to personal and collective memories, creating bridges between past and present identities.
Time & Change
Reflecting on the passage of time through archaeological layers and coastal erosion, and what we choose to preserve for the future.
Community & Place
Celebrating the role of community in archaeological discovery and how shared heritage strengthens our connection to place.
Artist Reflections
"Working with archaeological finds made me think about the hands that made and used these objects centuries ago. My artwork tries to capture that human connection across time."
"The 1924 excavation photographs inspired me to recreate them with current volunteers, showing how archaeological work continues to bring communities together."
"The coastal erosion at East Wear Bay is both destructive and revelatory. My work explores this paradox of loss and discovery."
"Collaborating with archaeologists opened my eyes to how art and science can work together to tell more complete stories about our past."
Exhibition Impact
This exhibition demonstrated the power of combining art and archaeology to create meaningful community engagement and new perspectives on our shared heritage.