The Venus Revisited is a project on body and self-image for women who are going through the menopause (at whatever age, including early menopause), or have done so in the past. It focuses on exploring changing self and body image, working together sharing experiences and making creative responses mainly in clay, drawing and writing.

In 2024, the project has run with two groups; in Lancaster and in Morecambe. Both groups joined to exhibit their work in three public exhibitions:  to bring into the public domain more conversation about ordinary womens' experience of menopause and ageing.

Lancaster: The Storey, & King Street Arts

Morecambe: The Library

Lancaster University: Health Innovation Campus

The participants have also produced a free publication as a hand-me-on document for women who may be coming up to, or experiencing the menopause, so they can connect with other women and not feel so isolated within their own experience. A number of copies will be available through GP surgeries and local libraries and a copy can also be obtained from King Street Arts (email for details).

The participants have created a living booklist of items they have personally found useful on their menopausal journey, which can be found in the publication. If you would like to contribute to this resource, please send your recommendations by email and we will add them as an online resource.

Following a very successful pilot last year, this year's project has been funded by Arts Council England and the Eric Wright Charitable Trust, and supported via the NHS local Integrated Care Communities, and Lancaster District CVS. Thanks to all these organisations for their support and to Waterstones, Lancaster, who supported the project with a collaborative book display during the exhibitions.

Dr Horrocks, who has supported this project in 2024, said, ' this has been a great and innovative arts project and has added tremendous value to our community, truly enhancing these women's experience of their menopause journey'.

If you are interested in this project in the future, please do get in touch to register your interest. 

Lancaster Guardian Article August 2024

Lancaster Guardian Article October 2024