Cabinet of Curiosities is an art project that takes place between January and February each year with GCSE Art and Graphics students. It explores the natural world, inspired by the eccentric collections of former Lauderdale resident, James Yates and the man who gave Waterlow Park to the public, Sir Sidney Waterlow.
In collaboration with established artists and co-created by Alison Lam, the students are taken on a creative, thought provoking and hands on journey. Students begin the project with a visit to Lauderdale House, exploring the raw natural materials of the park, and from them, creating impressions in clay. The students then spend two weeks working in wax, using the site visit to inform the composition of their creations. The wax is then taken to a bronze foundry owned by master founder Kabir Hussain and his wife Vicky, who have worked with several renowned artists, including Anthony Gormley.
The next two weeks are spent sculpting organic designs in porcelain paper clay, and the final week focuses on Gelli printing and Sumi ink. The project ends with the work being exhibited at Lauderdale House during Highgate Festival in mid-June.
The students' work is shown at Highgate Festival each year.
Many thanks to John Lyon's Charity for funding this project.
