Ferens’ first artist in residence to produce piece paying tribute to pandemic workers

COMMISSION: Erin Ledsom

By Simon Bristow

An embroidery artist has become the first artist to undertake a residency at the Ferens Art Gallery.

Erin Ledsom, a recent graduate of the Royal College of Needlework, has been commissioned by Hull City Council to produce a piece of artwork recognising the vital contribution of frontline workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

She is the first artist in residency at the Ferens and the first female artist to be commissioned in association with the Ferens.

Erin, who was was Future Ferens Young and Emerging Talent winner at the 2021 Ferens Open Exhibition, produces colourful and textured work which often draws inspiration from her hometown.

As well as producing the piece, which will be displayed in the Guildhall, Erin also has an exhibition at the gallery showcasing her work to date. It is on display in Gallery 11, which has been transformed into an artist residency space for Erin to work on her commissioned piece. She will open her studio to the public every day and be available to talk to about her work every Wednesday this summer, at 11am and 2pm.

Ferens Art Gallery. Picture by Tom Arran Commercial Photography

Erin will also take part in a wider programme of activity that will include embroidery workshops for young people in Hull.

The commission is being supported by the Rupert Alec-Smith Trust Fund and Arts Council England.

Councillor Alison Collinson, chair of Hull Culture and Leisure Ltd, said: “I’m delighted to be welcoming spectacular local artist Erin Ledsom to the Ferens as part of its first ever residency. Erin’s vivid work has paid homage to her home city of Hull, with her love for the city embedded in many of her pieces, so I’m delighted that she has been selected for this commission and can’t wait to see what she produces.”

Erin said: “I feel honoured that I have been chosen to work on this commission. I can’t wait to get started on the project which will pay credit to all the workers for their incredible efforts during the pandemic.”

The exhibition runs until Sunday, December 4.