‘Surprising as it may seem, there are links between downtown London in the early twentieth century and rural Mexico today.’ Says Ken Arnold, introducing The Wellcome Trust’s two new exhibitions Miracles and Charms.
‘The connections are health, medicine, belief, faith and the carrying of charms and amulets to ward off evil’.
One half of the exhibition, which runs until February 2, 2012 in London, comprises ‘Infinitas Gracias’ miracle paintings. In Mexico, hundreds of thousands of these paintings cover the inside of churches, packed tightly together often from floor to ceiling, expressing personal messages of gratitude.
Brought to Mexico in the 16th Century by the catholic Spanish conquerors, these small naïve paintings illustrate a slice of an individual’s life, usually at a moment of deliverance from crisis.
On show here are both historic paintings and contemporary offerings, such as letters, wedding veils, baby vests, document the accidents, illnesses and anxieties of everyday life. They express thanks and bear witness to the deep faith, and superstition, of the people donating the offerings. .
This part of the exhibition has been curated by, equestrian painter, Antonia Bruce.
The exhibition 'Charmed Life: The Solace of Objects' is the result of the artist Felicity Powell’s engagement with 1400 amulets and talisman collected by Edwardian amateur folklorist Edward Lovett. The collection offers insight into the beliefs of the poorest people in London during the late nineteenth century. Displayed in an horse-shoe shaped glass cabinet, one is able to get a very clear view of the amulets that have been arranged in groups according to kind. For example: Against nightmares, are fabric-covered horse-shoes to be hung above the bed. A parade of shoes, these were supposed to bring good luck but often this was combined with a practical use, for example as a pen holder, a snuff box a pin cushion or inkwell.
A circular stone with a hole was thought to be lucky and would be tied to a cow to prevent fairies stealing the milk.
The amulets are all small enough to be held in the hand or slipped into a pocket and are similar in scale to the Felicity’s own work. She creates whimsical, magical miniatures from white and red wax in low relief on the backs of mirrors. The basic shape is laid down with the fingers and then the details are refined with dental tools.
This exhibition is definitely worth a visit and there are some interesting linked talks and lectures taking place between now and the close of the exhibition in February 2012.
Juliet Bawden - Juliet Bawden is a craft & design writer and broadcaster. She has had over 60 books published. She crafts, cooks -gardens and recycles
Join the Conversation