INTERPRETATING WHITBY AND DRACULAR FOR THE NEW AGE
Historical Interpretation is the process in which we describe, analyse, evaluate and create an explanation of the past. For my end of University career I wanted to interpret the story of Dracula and the other Gothic goings on in Whitby. I carried out two short projects in my last term. The first was to create a Gothic Chair which connotes key moments in the book. The second was a small, fun and informative magazine for children .
My corner at the degree show, featuring my Gothic chair inspired by Dracula.
The chair itself was bought second hand which allowed me to have a strong and sturdy base to plan my work. I stripped off the old green fabric and knew I wanted to create my own print. This was inspired by various elements of the story - death, garlic, the windows in Whitby Abbey to name a few. Once the fabric was printed, it was attached to the chair with studs. You may see from the photo above that the arms are covered in black fur. In one of the first chapters of the book a great black dog arrived on the beaches of Whitby and scampered up the famous steps. It is thought to be the first moment we know of Dracula to be in Whitby, albeit in animal form.
Lino cutting the fabric design in progress…
The final print pattern on the chair
Clay clawed feet for this chair
Accompanying Illustrations to the chair
FEELING SPOOKY?
Woeful Whitby was the second University project inspired by English Heritage’s very own children’s magazine. I love history and used to be a big fan of reading through fun tid bits of information about a place when I was young. This small project was inspired by Dracula and all things Gothic I took myself for a long weekend in Whitby to see what it had to offer. Most photos and all illustrations are created by myself.
