During my research of Mary Greg and her collection, a line from one of her letters particularly caught my interest; addressed to Mr. Batho, Mary’s letter expressed her concern over the possible damage to a collection of dresses:
I want to get them sent off but not to lie in boxes in some lumber room where the moths may destroy them (1924)
My intention for this piece was to create a visual story: to bring alive the imagery within that quote, and to make a connection with the children’s novel, The Secret Garden – the story of Mary Lennox, another “contrary Mary”. I particularly wished to reflect the storage and display methods used within the Manchester Art Gallery and the Manchester Museum. Moreover, almost all materials used were collected by myself; unwanted and unloved items destined to be thrown away had been given a new lease of life, and added a sense of antiquity and nostalgia to the final display.
Jade Alana Art 