Inspired by Wonderland – An Outdoor Community Art Display at Knowle Park

After creating our own exhibition works at The Skills Centre, members of our Textiles and Arts groups are delighted to present their collection of artworks in an outdoor display  at Knowle Park, Cranleigh.

Having explored the themes and characters in Alice in Wonderland, each artist has been supported to research and creatively interpret their works for display. The artists Simon, Maria, Karen, Elanor and Janet hope that the many visitors to the park will enjoy their work.

It’s been a Joy and a privilege to support such a talented and imaginative group. It’s been wonderful to watch their creativity shine through during this project. It’s been truly inspiring and I’m so proud of what they have achieved.”

Graciela, Activity Co-Ordinator

Original works include felt scenes and characters which have been hand stitched, alongside collage and drawings. The outside display features vibrant, large photographs of these original works and are presented to the community with information about The Meath, Epilepsy and writer Lewis Carroll’s possible own experience of epilepsy and seizures.

Lewis Carroll & Epilepsy

Lewis Carroll, the author of ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’, is believed to have experienced epilepsy, which may have influenced his creative works. Lewis Carroll, whose real name was Charles Dodgson, reportedly had some health issues throughout his life, including chronic migraines and epileptic seizures. While there is no definitive diagnosis of epilepsy, some accounts suggest that he experienced symptoms consistent with temporal lobe epilepsy, which can include unusual sensations and altered perceptions.

Carroll’s experiences of migraines and possible seizures may have contributed to the surreal and dreamlike quality of his writing. For instance, the bizarre transformations and experiences of Alice in his stories have been likened to the symptoms of migraines and seizures, such as micropsia and macropsia, also known as Alice in Wonderland Syndrome (AIWS).

While Lewis Carroll may have experienced epilepsy and other health challenges, the extent to which these conditions influenced his writing remains a topic of interest and debate.

On Display at Knowle Park

This collection of works is currently on display within The Secret Garden area at Knowle Park, Cranleigh. The outdoor exhibition coincides with a community production of Alice in Wonderland which takes place on 5^th and 6^th September. We are delighted to team up with our friends at Knowle Park to raise awareness of epilepsy, and the work of The Meath Epilepsy Charity. Martin Bamford, Chairman at Knowle Park Trust explains how working with The Meath is a great example of Knowle Park championing community and inclusion.

“Knowle Park Trust is proud to champion inclusion. It has been a pleasure to work with The Meath and support this creative production of Alice-inspired artwork. The people they support have made joyful artwork for our Secret Garden Community Outdoor Art Space and we are excited to share it with the wider community. 

Meath resident Elena is a regular visitor and proud volunteer at Knowle Park, and we’re delighted to have gifted some complimentary tickets to our upcoming production of Alice in Wonderland in the Park to her housemates. We understand they are all very excited about seeing the show, and we’re equally as excited to welcome them to Knowle Park.”

Martin Bamford, Chairman, Knowle Park Trust

Elana and her peers look forward to their very important date to enjoy Knowle Park’s outdoor production of Alice in Wonderland and also to visiting The Meath exhibition in the park’s Secret Garden.

Visitors can enjoy The Meath art display throughout the autumn season, but if you fancy catching Knowle Park’s bold and imaginative open-air performance set in the stunning surroundings of Cranleigh’s Knowle Park on 5^th and 6^th September, tickets are available at knowlepark.org.uk/alice

Do you know someone who could benefit from joining The Meath Skills Centre? With a packed schedule of creative, active, educational and life skills sessions on offer Monday- Friday, The Meath Skills Centre is a great place for adults with disabilities to make new friends, learn a skill, have fun and gain a great sense of achievement.