CARRY

cOMMISSIONED BY novus at hmp altcourse
based on research with the royal horticultural society CONNECTING rhs archives of gardening in incarceration
with men in prison exploring wellbeing impacts
methods creative workshops, metal screen design & fabrication collaboration

Carry is a bespoke artwork co-designed in prison with participants on the Plants, Prison & Potential programme, devised by Faye Claridge based on Royal Horticultural Society archives from a WW1 internment camp.

The programme uses archives to inspire creative workshops around wellbeing and gardening and its outcomes are participant-led. The HMP Altcourse group are experts by experience in mental health challenges and chose to design a metal screen connecting the prison's healthcare unit and main population.

Incorporating invited contributions from the entire prison, participants collaborated with the fabrication department to produce the artwork in-house, designed and made by incarcerated people for fellow prisoners. A project film of the process creates a lasting legacy and shares this journey with friends, family and the public.