Earl Shilton Library Community Mosaic Sculpture Project
The Earl Shilton Library Working Group has come together to deliver an inspiring new community project: the creation of a permanent outdoor sculpture for the empty planter outside the library. Designed in the shape of an open book, the sculpture will be brought to life with a bespoke mosaic made from designs contributed by Earl Shilton residents. Its purpose is to celebrate Earl Shilton’s past and present while welcoming everyone into the heart of the library.
To ensure the sculpture truly reflects 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 offered additional opportunities for people to drop in, share ideas, and create artwork.
Throughout these sessions, participants explored what Earl Shilton, and the library itself, means to them. The creative outputs, including drawings, mini mosaics, stained-glass-inspired designs, and decorated boots, will directly inform the mosaic that will eventually cover 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 still resonates
- The tale of an escaped lion that once startled the community
- A rare, twinned tree
- Notable local architecture and monuments
- Stunning stained-glass windows crafted by artist Charles Eamer Kempe
Creativity thrived throughout the sessions. Children from Townlands Primary School,60 in total, produced imaginative offerings 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 brought a deep appreciation for the library as a welcoming, vibrant community hub. Rosemarie and David cherished local historians, generously shared newspapers, photographs, and personal stories that enriched our understanding. David, author of Lady Byron and Earl Shilton, further contributed by gifting a copy of his book to support the project. From colours and symbols to memories and aspirations, every creative contribution has added to a growing shared vision of the sculpture’s design.
Our creative practitioner, Llynda Baugh, has gathered all the artwork, insights, and stories shared throughout the workshops. After exploring key locations and points of interest around Earl Shilton, she has developed a strong understanding of the themes and motifs that matter most to the community. Llynda will now begin the process of crafting the final mosaic design, ensuring the sculpture becomes a true representation of Earl Shilton’s history, character, and people.
The completed sculpture is expected to be installed at the end of April. To mark the occasion, we will host a community celebration at the library, inviting everyone who contributed, to come together, reflect on our journey, and enjoy the unveiling of this lasting piece of community art.
This project has already strengthened connections, sparked creativity, and celebrated the vibrancy of Earl Shilton. The final sculpture will stand as a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with pride, imagination, and a shared sense of belonging.