Unlocking our Lockdown Stories: Alana House and The MERL
Inspired by the art collections held by the University of Reading, the MERL’s Learning and Engagement manager and Arts Collection curator recently completed a project with Alana House, a community organisation supporting women here in Reading. Together, we explored the importance of local landscapes and spaces for wellbeing, which took on a completely unexpected poignancy during this difficult period of lockdown.
In this new online exhibition, follow the stories of three women as they explore – through their own words and photography – personal reflections on lockdown and the role Reading’s outdoors played for them during this time.
Introduction
The University of Reading art collections show the range of spaces and landscapes which have been captured by artists. During the project we visited a range of locations across Reading – from parks to riversides to shopping centres – which are important to us. We shared openly the challenges of lockdown, the positives, and our hopes and fears for the future.
Not being able to see family, not being able to attend groups to meet others and learn new skills, the lack of company and companionship, left big holes in our lives. But even in these most difficult circumstances, there were positives that came out of lockdown and we learned a lot about ourselves and the spaces important to us.
Disposable facemasks like this one have been a familiar sight across Reading’s streets.
K's story
If I’d stayed in the house last year, I wouldn’t have made it. The support I have had from Alana House ladies has been life-saving.
Having pets, you have to get out. I enjoyed the quiet. Listening to the birdsong.
We are lucky in Reading that we have outside space. I love walking by the Kennet. I feel very sorry for people who’ve lost their jobs. I’ve had trouble getting back to work in ‘normal’ conditions. If people have mortgages, they might lose their homes. I’m more tolerant because of all of this.
The start of lockdown
It is like living in a ghost town. It was strange that no people or dogs were in the park.
But what is being inside a lot more doing to my health?
How I spent my days
How I spent my days? Jigsaws and watching videos. I was getting through lockdown ok but I looked forward to it easing.
Easing
Caversham Bridge looking from Caversham Court. Showing the rowing club house.
Coming out of lockdown, I feel a bit more hopeful for the future. Coming back to normal.
A walk with the dog
It is not only humans that have been affected by this bug. Here I am walking my dog now that I can do this with her doggy friends. It is nice to talk to the group of dog walkers while dogs chase and run with their friends.
R's story
Outside spaces are freedom. It takes you out of your four walls. Lockdown has taught me not to let your loved ones down and tell them ‘I love you’ more.
The people that we miss
I missed my boys during lockdown. This picture reminds me of my boys. I didn’t see them for six months. It is a park, with sand and is empty.
The Forbury
This pond is in Forbury Gardens. I selected it because this is where I take my boys.
Places like Forbury Gardens got me out because I felt bored in the house.
Escaping the four walls
Birds and a river.
I like nature. The smell of the fresh air, getting out the house was important to me.
E's story
I spent a lot of time in my garden, weeding, planting, tidying. My garden makes me feel proud. The before and after, seeing the change. Every week in Asda I’d spend £3 on plants. I hope we’ll be cleaner and greener after all this. But then I’ve seen a load of disposable masks in the river.
Coping during lockdown: my little bit of garden
Before and after.
Even through the pandemic, you can do something creative and pleasing to the eye. I used my lockdown time to do something useful.
The fruits of my labour
The fruits of my labour.
I have chosen this photo because it shows that hard works pays you back. Don’t stay bored and lonely. Go out keeping to social distancing and do something productive.
Spending time
A not so useful use of time during lockdown. Too much TV viewing and playing games on mobile.
I have chosen this photo to remind myself to do more productive things. But it does show that I got into bad habits.
Returning to the allotment
When restrictions were relaxed I loved going back to the allotment. The photo shows that it is beginning to feel we are back to ‘normality’ whatever that will be. I missed the allotment so much during lockdown.
Thanks
Thank you to the women of Alana House for sharing their personal stories so far with us. Who knows what the next six months will bring?
A special thank you too to the staff of Alana House for making this project possible in these most unusual of circumstances.
Alana House is a community project run by PACT that uses a holistic approach to support and empower women. They offer a confidential, women-only, non-judgemental space and welcome all women who feel they need help and support.