The story so far

I PACKED THIS MYSELF is a project working with migrant workers and local communities in Cornwall, which started in 2006. The aim: to break down prejudice and increase understanding



Wednesday 3 March 2010

St Austell, a brief stop at St Clement then stunning suitcases at Richard Lander

An early start to the day with a workshop at Cornwall College St Austell - with Art degree students and ESOL learners. An interesting discussion on treasured possessions. Jewellery figured high on many people's lists.













Then a pause before the next workshop. By the river at St Clement, just outside Truro - near Malpas, where Tristan carried Iseult across the ford in Arthurian legend. Had not realised that the channels in the mud could be so deep. (An important journey for Iseult - an elaborate trick that saved her life.)
In the churchyard at St Clement - a standing stone dating from around 600 AD with a Roman inscription. Its history unclear.









Plenty of clarity though at Richard Lander School,  Truro, with the class of very motivated and engaged children we met two weeks ago. A variety of excellent suitcases that they have created with their journeys.
Emily Irwin has drawn her journey eight years ago, from Maidenhead to Cornwall. She's now 14.
Miles Cooper has drawn a memorable journey to Primary School some years ago in a snowstorm, when his intrepid father had a minor accident and hit the bank. He found his sister and brother had built two snowmen by the time he got home.
 
Megan Mason has drawn a journey of dreams - her planned career and passage through life.


Rebecca Water, 14, drew a very delicate map with key symbols in her life - a palm tree on the left from the Caribbean island where her mother was born. The London Eye - top right (she was born in London).



Rihana Davey, 13, drew all the places that have been significant in her life so far - from the maternity wing where she was born, to the play group she attended, to her home and school now...


The class hard at work, imagining themselves migrant workers far from home, and writing postcards home. A very rewarding place to work - we are returning after Easter to do some assemblies.