Artwork inspired by wartime oilfield

Artwork inspired by a wartime oilfield is going on show to the public for the first time today.

The year-long Dukes Wood Artist Project in Eakring involved nine artists.

It aimed to explore the history and social significance of the site.

The area was formerly an on-shore oilfield operated by American oilmen during the second world war. It is now a Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust nature reserve.

The art project was organised by Ordinary Culture, of Nottingham, which helps develop art projects in places where art would not normally be featured.

Mr Erin McDaid, from the wildlife trust, said they were attracted to the site because of its combination of industrial history and ecology.

“It’s a good opportunity for people to see one of our nature reserves in a different light,” he said.

“Whilst they are primarily sanctuaries for wildlife, they are also places where people can go to connect or reconnect with the environment.”

The artists were helped to understand the story of Dukes Wood through its on-site museum, which is looked after by curators Mr Kevin Topham and Mr John Lukehurst.

Seven pieces have been created.

A Star Of Two Sides, by German artists Folke Koebberling and Martin Kaltwasser, was the first on the site.

Their sculpture is made from hundreds of ash planks wrapped around the museum building, forming a cabin-like structure.

The new facade has peaks and troughs representing the porous rock and geological composition underground.

One of the most striking pieces is by Dan Robinson. He has made a lookout tower which represents bird hide, hunting cabin and military tower. It is on a woodland border looking out across farmland.

Project curators Sam West and Aaron Juneau said the work started as a long-term piece of research looking at the history and significance of Dukes Wood and the industrial heritage of the area.

They said: “So compelling was the story of Dukes Wood that we began to imagine ways that a contemporary art project might respond to the place.

“We felt that an artist residency programme would encourage an intimate engagement with the place and enable the in-depth level of exploration required.”

The project has also involved Kirklington Primary School pupils who worked with artist Jo Dacombe to map the woods and make signposts.

They have made a short film with artist Anne-Mie Melis to explain how, after the oil exploration ended, the area slowly evolved back to woodland and grassland.

The project has been supported by the two curators, the Arts Council England, Nottinghamshire County Council, Newark and Sherwood District Council, Nottingham Contemporary and Nottingham University and the Wildlife Trust.

It will be open to the public at 10am on Saturday when visitors will have the chance to look at all the artwork.

There will be a weekend of events including guided tours, performances and family activities.

The project will continue throughout September with events each weekend.