Announcing our Back To The Market Commissions

Our 'Back To The Market' commissions will investigate the heritage of Barnstaple Pannier Market, concentrating on three key areas of research that we have invited contemporary artists/researchers to respond to. One commission will explore the events around Oswald Mosley’s talk that took place in Barnstaple Pannier Market in 1934, one will be linked to Jeremy Thorpe’s wedding reception that took place in Barnstaple Pannier Market in 1968, and the other inspired by The Beggar’s Opera written in 1728 by John Gay who was born in Barnstaple.

There will be an exhibition presenting all three commissions in November 2026 (date TBC), which will also be documented as a virtual exhibition and a short video will be made interviewing each artist/researcher about their experiences. Over the course of the project, each artist will share their research through a series of digital blogs. Find out more about the artists below and their initial ideas for the project.

Graham Taylor: Commission #1

"My practice is based around performance and writing, and also takes form in painting, sound/music, clothing and sometimes video. I am interested in systems of value, how and what we collectively choose to value and why, and what that might mean; and exploring the elevation or downgrading of potentially culturally under- or over-valued objects. My practice is structured as a series of collaborations with and between different Creative Entities, as a way of embodying different research interests and material works with different attributable names, and to question the role of the artist as author of the work.

For this commission I am really excited about exploring satirical impulses and crowd-sourced satire, trying to make work informed by as many voices as possible that is also, fundamentally, fun."

Cecily Loveys Jervoise: Commission #2

"I am a London based artist from Devon. I use surplus fabric dyed with rust and medieval ink, clay dug in a Devon pond, and forged metal to foster shared tactile experiences, warp the ephemeral and explore friendship as a physical fabric around us. The work invites play, tells personal stories of queer connection, and toys with scale in relation to the queer body and mischievous Dartmoor pixies. 

For this commission I'm interested in learning more about the elusive, erased and much gossiped about queer stories of Devon."

Jessica Akerman: Commission #3

"I work across drawing, sculpture and performance, making images and objects that playfully reimagine bodies, spaces and the value systems in which we live.

I am excited to conjure a fictional world inspired by the Pannier Market and the local area. I'll be making some sculptural costumes from market produce, and writing some new songs about them. I'm grateful to have Studio Kind's support to make some new experimental work."

Laura Porter, managing director and curator of Studio KIND said: 

'We're really looking forward to working with Jessica, Graham and Cecily to explore different aspects of the market's history and how they relate to the current day. Contemporary art is such a great vehicle for story-telling, sharing experiences, and shedding light on sometimes difficult topics. We hope the work created will both raise appreciation for this important heritage building, whilst also asking questions about the world in which we're living. The Pannier Market has always been at the heart of Barnstaple, both physically and metaphorically, and we want to make sure it stays as relevant and vibrant as ever by getting the community involved and reimagining the market as a place of culture, creativity and connection! We'd like to thank everyone involved for making this project possible, especially the National Lottery, North Devon Council and the team in Barnstaple Pannier Market.' 

Peter Stiles, project development director said:

'Its great to be able to work with three such talented and innovative artists - and to bring them into Barnstaple to work with the heritage of the Pannier Market. Barnstaple has such a fascinating history; extraordinary particular local events, significant in themselves yet which shed light on both historical and present day issues.'

Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. Thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able to deliver a year-long project that provides research opportunities, fun activities for the community, and the chance for people to think more deeply about what the Pannier Market means to our area.