Presence in Absence is a clay project I was asked to offer as part of the Judges' Lodgings 400 year celebrations of their building as the oldest Lancaster townhouse. Their theme has been exploring the hidden lives of servants in the house. The museum has also commissioned other artist interventions in the house on the same theme, including hangings by the Sewing Cafe, artwork by Sarah Joy Ford and participants, and a projection by Leo and Hyde, so there's lots to look at when you visit. All works are available on view as you walk around the house and create an imaginative view of servant life and presence in its grand interior.

Servants would have been the backbone of the running of a large house. Yet they may have rarely been seen by the Judges. This project seeks to remember their names and presence in the house through a series of handmade ceramic sculptures and objects.

It has been a pleasure to work on this project with a very dedicated group of adult participants; thanks to everyone who took part in working with clay and making these sculptures.

If you would like to visit, the museum is open each Friday throughout the winter, with some special events such as Victorian Christmas. See their website for further details and entry fee: 

Link To Judges Lodgings