The Wonderland

A fantastic Wonderland cardboard landscape inspired by South Tyneside was co-created by visitors to the 'The Extraordinary in the Everyday' exhibition at The Word, National Centre for the Written Word in South Shields.

Participants were asked about their favourite landmarks and memories of South Tyneside and created a picture or pattern on A5 slotted cardboard that could be added to the Wonderland sculpture. Templates and art materials were made available in the exhibition alongside weekly workshop sessions hosted by Caroline during the Summer holidays with the cardboard sculpture constructed live within the exhibition space.

The final outcome was a large scale cardboard collage sculpture that featured artwork from over 1000 visitors to the exhibition that brought communities together creatively.

It has been really positive to see so much engagement through The Extraordinary in the Everyday Exhibition Programme and to support different ways the exhibition space at The Word can encourage creativity and curiosity. Caroline’s work inspired new ideas, creativity and collaboration across all ages, it was delightful to see the intergenerational work the Jubilee Dress and Wonderland art work enabled. Participants and visitors contributed to something greater than the sum of the parts in both pieces Caroline facilitated. It was brilliant to see the work evolve and grow in stature and so many visitors making a return visit to see the exhibition as a result.

Katy Milne, Cultural Programme Officer, South Tyneside Council