Bassetlaw Museum in Retford is now showing a new exhibition of paintings and drawings by London-based artist Christy Burdock, created after she spent time exploring the museum's collection and stories.
Burdock, who lives within walking distance of the Thames, is known for seeking out quieter heritage stories away from obvious landmarks. She found exactly what she was looking for in Bassetlaw. The exhibition draws on a broad range of local themes: mining heritage, farming life, old cinemas, the energy industry, royal charters, and the Mayflower connection.
What makes the exhibition unusual is Burdock's personal response to the collection. Rather than simply illustrating historical objects, she has created works that sit in dialogue with the museum's items. Several pieces feature children, inspired by accounts of growing up on local farms and the museum's collections of toys and school memorabilia.
Burdock works primarily on cradled beechwood, a material chosen for its durability and natural appearance. She spent time researching local voices and memories through the museum's community connections, adding an extra layer of meaning to the finished works. The museum building itself influenced her compositions, with its proportioned architecture becoming part of the creative conversation.
Kasia Wosiak, Collections Officer at Bassetlaw Museum, said viewing the collection through Burdock's perspective had been inspiring. "Her work offers both familiar and unexpected perspectives," she said. "It's a powerful reminder that museums are valuable community spaces where our shared stories continue to evolve."
The exhibition is on display now at Bassetlaw Museum, Retford. Admission is free.