Earl Shilton Library Community Mosaic Sculpture Project
The Earl Shilton Library Working Group came together to deliver an inspiring community project: the creation of a permanent outdoor sculpture for the planter outside the library. Designed in the shape of an open book, the sculpture was brought to life through a bespoke mosaic created from designs contributed by Earl Shilton residents. Its purpose was to celebrate Earl Shilton’s past and present while welcoming everyone into the heart of the library.
To ensure the sculpture truly reflected the spirit of Earl Shilton, we hosted a series of lively, interactive workshops involving a diverse range of voices from across the community. Participants included:
- Earl Shilton residents
- Students from Townlands Primary School
- Earl Shilton in Bloom
- The Women’s Institute
- The Gaming Group
- Other community organisations and library users
Three open-access Saturday sessions at the library also provided opportunities for people to drop in, share ideas and create artwork.
Throughout these sessions, participants explored what Earl Shilton, and the library itself, meant to them. The creative outputs, including drawings, mini mosaics, stained-glass-inspired designs and decorated boots, directly informed the mosaic that now covers the sculpture.
The workshops sparked curiosity and pride as participants learned about the fascinating heritage of Earl Shilton. Highlights from these discussions included:
- The town’s historic boot, shoe and hosiery industries
- Earl Shilton as the birthplace of the iconic Pukka Pie
- The story of Lady Byron, who played a significant role in the town’s regeneration and whose legacy continues to resonate
- The tale of an escaped lion that once startled the community
- A rare twinned tree
- Notable local architecture and monuments
- Stunning stained-glass windows created by artist Charles Eamer Kempe
Creativity thrived throughout the sessions. Sixty children from Townlands Primary School produced imaginative work through writing, mosaic-making, stained-glass patterns and performance. Their contributions led to thoughtful conversations about Earl Shilton’s identity and future. The Gaming Group engaged in spirited debates over the “ultimate pie filling”, while the Women’s Institute shared their appreciation of the library as a welcoming and vibrant community hub.
Rosemary and David, respected local historians, generously shared newspapers, photographs and personal stories that enriched our understanding of the town’s history. David, author of Lady Byron and Earl Shilton, also donated a copy of his book to support the project. From colours and symbols to memories and aspirations, every creative contribution added to a growing shared vision for the sculpture’s design.
Our creative practitioner, Llynda Baugh, gathered the artwork, insights and stories shared throughout the workshops. After exploring key locations and points of interest around Earl Shilton, she developed a strong understanding of the themes and motifs that mattered most to the community. Using this material, Llynda created the final mosaic design, ensuring the sculpture reflected Earl Shilton’s history, character and people.
The completed sculpture was installed at the end of April. To mark the occasion, we hosted a community celebration at the library, bringing together everyone who contributed to the project to celebrate the unveiling of this lasting piece of community art.
The project strengthened connections, sparked creativity and celebrated the vibrancy of Earl Shilton. The sculpture stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with pride, imagination and a shared sense of belonging.
check out the online Earl Shilton Mosaic Zine or head down to the library to have a flick through the hard copy!