Three contemporary artists are taking inspiration from Lyme Regis’ long relationship with the sea as part of an exciting new residency at Lyme Regis Museum.
Funded by Arts Council England, ‘To the Sea’ will see writer and performer Sarah Acton, ceramicist and illustrator Ilse Black, and printmaker Emma Molony working in the museum’s Maritime Gallery between September and November.
Using objects, archives and stories from the museum’s collection, each artist will explore Lyme’s maritime heritage from a different perspective, creating new work and inviting the public to get involved along the way.
Dorset-based writer Sarah Acton will delve into Lyme’s maritime legends and hidden histories, looking at ghost boats and trade routes to heroic characters and forgotten stories.
Her work will combine real history with poetry, myths and imagined histories.
Bournemouth artist Ilse Black will turn the traditional view of maritime history on its head by considering what the sea itself might have seen over the centuries.
Inspired by her passion for marine ecology and the natural world, she will create a series of ceramic sculptures and vessels in response to the collection.
East Devon printmaker Emma Molony will explore Lyme’s connections with the wider world through maps and printmaking.
Working with the museum’s archives and its visitors, she hopes to uncover unexpected stories and find new ways of bringing them to life.
Visitors won’t have to wait until the finished pieces are unveiled to get involved.
The programme includes public workshops, talks and artist open days, which began with Ilse’s ceramic workshop last month.
Visitors can look forward to Sarah’s writing workshop on Saturday 17 October and Emma’s printmaking workshop on Saturday 21 November.
Further workshops and open days will continue into 2027.
The three residencies will come together in a shared exhibition at Lyme Regis Museum in February 2027, showcasing the work created and offering a fresh look at the town’s centuries-old connection with the sea.
For more information visit: www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk/whats-on/tothesea