A free 3D model building exhibition that celebrates the unofficial ‘twinning’ of Ryde and Ramsgate will take place over the next 4 weeks.
The 2 towns were unofficially ‘twinned’ this summer as part of an imaginative commission by Historic England and Mooch to celebrate both historic coastal towns.
‘The Isle of Rydesgate’ fantasy model village is coming to high street locations in Ryde between the 17th July and 8th August, with 3D models of local buildings drawn by volunteers populating a giant map of the imaginary island.
People of all ages are being asked to unleash their creativity and reimagine their local high street – from designing their own shop to re-thinking how town centres could be improved for residents, shop owners, and visitors.
Craft packs are now available to order via Mooch’s website.
Craft packs include:
- Instructions and information on the project
- One of 12 building designs to colour in
- Colouring pencils
- Free returns envelope
Using the pencils in the pack, create your fantasy shopfront and tell us what inspired your design and what your new business will sell or do. When finished, post back or return to Mooch to make up your model and add it to the exhibition!
In Ryde, the exhibition is being supported by Ryde Arts and Shademakers are hosting it as one of the first events in ‘Department’, the repurposed Elizabeth Packs Store on Cross Street, Ryde, which has received grant aid from the High Street Heritage Action Zone scheme to allow it to reopen as an arts venue.
Ellen Harrison, Head of Creative Programmes and Campaigns at Historic England, said:
“The Isle of Rydesgate is a fun way to think about what we find on the high street currently, what may be missing and what we’d like to see improve. By combining people’s favourite bits of both historic coastal towns and letting imaginations run wild we hope the exhibition proves a talking point, as well as offering an opportunity for some mindful colouring-in!”
Theresa Smith, Mooch founder, said:
“To work on a national commission for Historic England is very special, especially for someone that lives in a town that is just rammed with beautiful and quirky buildings. I hope the Isle of Rydesgate allows people to appreciate and re-imagine these historic structures and I look forward to seeing all the fantasy shopfronts come to life.
“You don’t have to be in Ryde to join in, just be a fan of Ramsgate, or Ryde, and want to do something fun that connects these very similar coastal resort towns!”
The Isle of Rydesgate is 1 of 6 Twin Towns commissions that are part of the 4-year-long High Streets Heritage Action Zones’ Cultural Programme, led by Historic England, in partnership with Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The Cultural Programme aims to make our high streets more attractive, engaging and vibrant places for people to live, work and spend time.
Problem is its near impossible to get to ryde with all the road works. Then it will cripple our banks accounts with parcking fees so not worth the effort
Very true they are carrying out too many Road Works at once