Brading Roman Villa are proud to present our ‘Journaling Life’ exhibition as part of CAN YOU HEAR US?
Between March and July 2026, artist Lucy Bell invited participants to explore the Museum collection for clues that the Romans who lived and worked at Brading left behind, for example, a floor tile with the maker’s mark, his handprint now preserved and displayed.
Over the three sessions, participants created their own legacy, clues to their identity, with the creation of their own life journal, clay handprints and other clues to who we are. These are now displayed in an exhibition for everyone to enjoy. We want you to ask, “What is my legacy?”
Lucy Bell mentions:
This project bought together people who have an interest in end of life, whether for personal reasons such as experiencing life limiting illness or personal or professional.
The focus was to look at the villa artefacts and the clues the makers and dwellers had left behind, then use this to create our own record of our lives.
The sessions were full of joy and reflection. Both happy and sad memories. Reminiscing and a lot of laughing. Through experimentation and freely creating some wonderful, thought provoking outcomes were achieved.
The subject of death and dying is often taboo but approached in the right way it doesn’t have to all be depressing or sad. It is important to see that it’s part of life. These sessions had a freeing way to reflect on the subject as and when the attendees wanted, knowing it was a safe and respected environment to do so.
Sam, our Comms Manager visited the exhibition at Brading Roman Villa’s Apple Day and adds:
“This exhibition really struck me. I wanted to attend the sessions myself, but my own relationship with grief prohibited me. The time, thought and energy behind each one moved me – I teared up at a few, laughed along the fondly recalled memories and felt inspired to pick my journal back up to write in my own. Warts and all! I really do recommend visiting the exhibition – it’s stunning.”
This exhibition is free to attend, but may be unavailable to view if there is an education session or workshop running so please call in advance 01983 406223.
