The public is being asked to choose their favourite books to be placed in an eye-catching display case in Melksham Library as part of a unique project.
Local artist Anita Andrews has created a special bookcase called a “tabernacle” decorated with mosaic, gold smalti and mirror creating a highly embellished surface.
Melksham Library users can suggest their favourite books to go on display in the case and eventually it will tour around other libraries in the county.
The centrepiece has been funded by Arts Council England as part of a project in Wiltshire called Creative Libraries.
The mosaic panel inside the Tabernacle is a quote from John Milton (1644), “A good book is the precious life-blood of a master spirit embalmed and treasured up on purpose to a life beyond life.”
The side panels display birds, butterflies and plants to be found in Wiltshire including the county bird – the Great Bustard. Melksham library is now displaying the completed art work and people are invited to nominate books to be placed in the Tabernacle.
Cabinet member for libraries Jonathon Seed said, “This is a beautiful piece of art unique for Wiltshire which will be in continuous use as people suggest their favourite reads which can be placed on display. This is a fine example of how the funding we have will create a permanent treasure which helps bring books to life.”
Artist Anita Andrews worked on design ideas with children from the Manor Primary School in Melksham using card, boxes and collage techniques to create a series of prototypes before coming up with the final design.
Anita said, “My aim was to make an artwork that could be used by the library service to encourage visitors to think about the importance of books in their lives and our culture. I wanted to make an ornate shrine which is called The Tabernacle using decorative art techniques, especially mosaic which I specialise in. I hope that libraries around Wiltshire will use the tabernacle to work with groups for many years to come.”
The Creative Libraries programme received £100,000 from the National Lottery via Arts Council England’s Grants for the Arts libraries scheme. The project has funded a number of initiatives – www.wiltshire.gov.uk/artsheritageandlibraries/librarieshome/creativelibraries.htm
