Japanese artist Seiko Kinoshita’s bespoke illuminated lantern event was held on 26th October 2019.
This commissions was produced by Beam as part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site Great Place Scheme funded by Arts Council England and National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Over 300 of visitors attended the event at St Peter’s Church in Belper which was illuminated by hundreds of lanterns for one night only. The lantern event included poetry performances by Captive Audience Theatre Company in the church yard and a short film was screened depicting Seiko’s artistic journey including images from the lantern making workshops and Seiko’s research trip to a Japanese World Heritage Site- Tomioka Silk Mill and Usui Seishi Silk Mill.
Inspired by surrounding historical connections to Strutts North Mill, Seiko engaged over 500 local residents and children in making Lanterns influenced by the original cotton bobbin design to illuminate this historically significant area in Belper.
The short film below provides an insight Seiko’s engagement programme with local residents resulting in the stunning temporary installation.
Image and film credits: Daniella Sasaki
