Connecting with coastal communities

As part of the A World of Water exhibition outreach programme (part of the Sainsbury Centre’s Can the Seas Survive Us? season), funded by Arts Council England, the Sainsbury Centre partnered with Sheringham Museum at the Mo, Sheringham High School, and Ladybird Pre-School Nursery to celebrate and explore the rich coastal heritage of Sheringham.

Creative journeys in art and heritage

Year 10 students from Sheringham High School’s Art, Textiles and Photography classes took part in hands-on workshops inspired by intricately carved objects from the collections of both Sheringham Museum and the Sainsbury Centre. Using these historic artefacts as a starting point, the students developed their own lino prints and imagery, connecting personal creativity with local heritage.

Students developed their own lino prints and imagery, connecting personal creativity with local
heritage

Students also visited Sheringham Museum, engaging in fast-paced drawing and photography activities while learning about influential local artists such as John Craske, Olive Edis, and Cecil Hewitt.

Supporting learning for the future

Local artist Hannelore Smith collaborated with museum staff and volunteers to create a school resource pack, designed to support future secondary school visits to Sheringham Museum.

She said: “Being able to work so closely with the museum’s collection has been a real highlight. I’ve enjoyed being part of a project that’s based in my own community, and that helps others – especially young people – see the museum as a creative and relevant space.”

Rose Feather and Rach Anstey-Sanders collaborated with museum staff and volunteers to create a school resource pack

A volunteer at Sheringham Museum said: “I think the most valuable aspect of the programme was its ability to present Sheringham’s history from a fresh and powerful perspective to young people, families, and visitors. I believe the project strengthened the connection between the museum, student groups, and families, making the museum a more lively and engaging place.”

Imaginative adventures with early years

At Ladybird Pre-School Nursery, children took part in four imaginative sessions with artists Rose Feather and Rachel Anstey Sanders. Together with nursery staff and museum volunteers, they explored the museum’s collection and responded creatively through making books, drawings, flags, puppets, and more.

Emma and Kate, from Ladybirds Preschool Nursery, said: “We all thought it was such a positive experience, led by experienced and lovely people and feel very lucky to have been chosen as a pilot for this event.”

Associate artist Rose Feather said: “Co-producing with young children is always a super rich learning opportunity for me. I am always looking for ways to develop my skills in listening (beyond just with my ears!), being child-led, and working in a co-creative way.”

At Ladybird Pre-School Nursery, children took part in four imaginative sessions with artists
Rose Feather and Rachel Anstey Sanders

From coast to gallery: sharing the story

Over the summer, Object 145 – an Alaskan Fish Hook – went on display at Sheringham Museum. When it returned to the Sainsbury Centre, it brought along two new friends: a netting shuttle and a knitting sheath.

Object 145 – an Alaskan Fish Hook – went on display at Sheringham Museum

Student artwork, inspired by these objects, was showcased at both venues – creating a powerful connection between local creativity and museum collections. Students had the opportunity to visit the Sainsbury Centre and see their work exhibited alongside the artefacts that inspired them.

Rachel Mendes-Houlston, Head of Art at Sheringham High School, said: “The value to our students has been massive! They’ve gained knowledge about their local community and crafts from The Mo and a wider range of inspiration from the Sainsbury Centre. The whole opportunity went full circle – starting local and ending up in an urban, contemporary setting.”

Students had the opportunity to visit the Sainsbury Centre and see their work exhibited alongside the artefacts that inspired them

Legacy and Outreach

The new resources have been shared with Sheringham Museum volunteers, and training has been delivered to support future learning. Earlham Nursery School was invited to trial the materials, continuing the project’s reach into more early years settings.

The new resources have been shared with Sheringham Museum volunteers, and training has been delivered to support future learning

This project was supported by Arts Council England.