These workshops unearthed a range of stories, some personal and some historical. From this the ideas for the animal characters came forward and captured Lucie’s imagination.

Participants then got involved, putting their creative spin on the colours and designs for the animals, using different mediums to bring them to life.

Lucie was influenced by these artworks and used them to inspire her final illustrations and poems for the installation – Kaleidoscope. 

Lucie said:

“It has been an absolute joy to work as the resident artist for the Animate Chesterfield project in my home town. Occupying the shop and creating with the community was a hugely important part of the creative process and such an uplifting time. It’s been brilliant to work with and alongside others to inspire the final artwork for Chesterfield.”

This piece begins at the shop window in the Pavements shopping centre which has been transformed into a vibrant creative piece that holds stories and memories told through art work and poetry. Each section includes an animal illustration, location drawing and poem.

The kaleidoscopes symbolise the reimagining of the town in fun, vibrant, imaginative and playful way. Like moving a kaleidoscope, turning time and transforming one thing into something completely different.

As you look down the main walkway it is highlighted with vibrant stripes of colour leading to the community mural. Each stripe highlights a different animal and features a line from the corresponding poem. Transporting visitors from their shopping experiences into a re-imagined space where fun and colour take centre stage.

The kaleidoscope theme continues in the community mural where abstract shapes and patterns compliment the animal drawings. 

Lucie drew the mural onto these mirrors and invited the community to help put together the kaleidoscope elements to create a collaborative community mural during the Derbyshire Festival of Making in March 2025.

Re-imagining the stories of Chesterfield upon the mirrors that have seen people over three decades pass by their glass. Reflections of lives and stories reimagined with a modern twist.

Each animal and location illustration were hand drawn and digitised to be printed onto vinyl before being installed. The kaleidoscopes were then created from these drawings to complement the artwork and create a completely unique design.

Lucie designed this piece of public art to reflect the pride within the town and the creative community that was fostered through shared experiences and artwork.

The project is part of the Animate Chesterfield programme which will create new artworks and activities for visitors over the next two years throughout the regeneration programmes happening in both Chesterfield and Staveley.

Animate Chesterfield is organised by Chesterfield Borough Council and delivered by Beam.

Image credits: Lucie Maycock and Beam.