Mayflower exhibition featuring work from school pupils now online as Gainsborough Old Hall remains closed

Schools from across West Lindsey and North Nottinghamshire were invited to participate in the ‘Schools’ Pilgrim Exhibition’ which involved creating pieces or work inspired by the Mayflower story, which commemorates its 400th anniversary this year.

The exhibition was created at Gainsborough Old Hall however the hall is still currently closed due to the coronavirus pandemic meaning the public have not been able to enjoy the collections and exhibitions, including a display of work created by schools.

Six schools participated in this exhibition, creating more than 100 pieces of work by children ranging from years 1 to 6.They could be as creative as they liked and could create 2D or 3D pieces of art, creative writing or poetry.

Faye Pudney, visitor economy project officer at West Lindsey District Council, said: “We wanted to be able to make it possible for everyone to see all the hard work our local schools have put into the exhibition.

“We’re thankful to the team at Gainsborough Old Hall for allowing us safe access so that we could capture this wonderful exhibition.”

Coun Paul Howitt-Cowan, member champion for heritage and tourism at West Lindsey said: “I’m delighted that this exhibition has been made available to the public.

"Gainsborough Old Hall is a treasured attraction in Gainsborough and West Lindsey and we look forward to seeing visitors being able to return soon.”

Victoria Mason Hines, visitor experience manager at Gainsborough Old Hall, said: “We were really pleased with the number of schools who engaged with us on this project and the quality of work which was produced.

"It is great to be able to give the public a preview of the children's art work and we are still hoping to have this work on display at the Hall when we reopen.”

The Schools’ Pilgrim Exhibition is now available to view online at www.discovergainsborough.com/schools-pilgrim-exhibition.

To find out more about the Mayflower story and its links to Lincolnshire and North Nottinghamshire visit www.discovergainsborough.com/pilgrimroots.