Vicki Aimers, Book Artist, Illustrator - Open Studios

Artist in residence at Kresen Kernow, Cornwall’s archive centre, exploring the life of an inspiring 18th century woman, Catherine Payton Phillips.

An exciting opportunity to work with Kresen Kernow focusing on the life of Catherine Payton Phillips (1727-1794), a Quaker Minister who travelled across the U.K., Ireland, Europe and America, finally settling in Redruth with her husband William, a Copper Agent. Throughout her amazing life, she was interested in environmental issues, providing for others and many other pressing issues, which still have relevance to the world we live in. Catherine was a complex character who didn’t follow the conventional path for women of that time. She was passionate about writing, poetry and local causes where she felt she could make a positive difference.

Situated on the former brewery site in Redruth, Kresen Kernow is home to 1.5 million documents, books and photos covering 850 years of Cornwall’s history. The centre is home to an original copy of Catherine’s memoirs printed by her stepson James Phillip, also a Quaker and printer based in London.

At Kresen Kernow my residency will explore her life through artist books, textiles, drawing and audio, all focusing around ideas of a nature table, curiosity cabinets and storytelling through objects. During my time there, I will be creating an artist book and textile pieces informed by my research. In addition, there will be inspiring drop-in activities on certain days throughout the week, such as simple book making, botanical drawing and seed planting. There will also be activity sheets available for visitors to take away all informed by Catherine’s life and work. Find out more about event details at kresenkernow.org/events.