- A revaluation of Lincolnshire Fenland churches as historic works of art and as sites of contemporary creativity;
- An exploration of the village church’s layered meanings in community life now; and
- A celebration of the stories, memories and associations bound up in every church.
The Light Ships revolves around the Fenland’s medieval churches. Each one is unique, its form, treasures and meanings built up over centuries by the people who have lived alongside, used and owned it. Each one is an ark of creativity and memory, carrying a community’s life across oceans of time, continually refitted during the voyage to meet changing needs in changing times.
The Light Ships will focus on 14 Lincolnshire villages, in partnership with Transported, an arts initiative working across Boston and South Holland Districts. It welcomes anyone and everyone with an interest to be involved – parishioners, vicars and volunteers; masons, cleaners and gardeners; choirs, bell-ringers, musicians, needleworkers and other artists; schools, clubs and community associations. We’ll share stories, insights and knowledge of each unique place, looking and talking and listening until a collective image of ‘church-ness’ begins to form.
Words, film and photography will portray the buildings as lived-in spaces not just architectural wonders – sites of meaning and local spirit of place. A separate website will record progress, collect research materials and enable online conversation. The Light Ships will end with a book and a short film that are both documents of a summer’s work and a millennium of life in Fenland Lincolnshire.
The Light Ships website will go live on 1 May and the project will be completed with some celebratory events in September.
Regular Marvels 