From the Archive: Episode 2

From the Archive: Rachel Lichtenstein

In the years preceding the publication of her book Estuary: out from London to the Sea (Penguin, 2016) author, Rachel Lichtenstein spent six years walking the landscape as she immersed herself in the multiple layers and histories of the Thames Estuary.  As part of her research practice, on many of these outings she was accompanied by other writers, recording their conversations along the way.

These recordings mostly remain as raw research but over the years have become a fantastic archive.  Estuary 2021 has commissioned Rachel to listen back and remix two of these walks to share with audiences.

The resulting two podcasts are a fascinating insight that capture a moment in time – both of a landscape that changes rapidly – and of the intimate artistic exchange of ideas, inspiration and memory between the walkers – whose love for and connection to the estuary is palpable.
     

From the Archive:  Episode 2
Exploring liminal landscapes - a walk with Iain Sinclair 

Writers Rachel Lichtenstein and Iain Sinclair swap stories of adventures past and present and note the ever-changing nature of this place ‘the shape, the power, the potency of the river.’ Memory traces of Pocahontas, Conrad, Dutch invasions, the Princess Alice disaster and Iain’s great grandfather’s trips to Peru are discussed as they traverse past the docks, then along the riverside before ending with a trip to the former Czech Bata Factory in East Tilbury.

Elements of this walk feature in Rachel Lichtenstein’s Estuary: out from London to the Sea and the anthology Radical Essex (Focal Point, 2018) and it was on this walk that Iain first told Rachel of the incredible story that has become his most recent book and film project The Gold Machine.  

Iain and Rachel will be in conversation with curator, Gareth Evans as part of the Estuary Live Lounge online programme – on Wed 26 May at 7pm.  

The Walk
Length: 6 miles long.
Transport: Tilbury Town Station – East Tilbury Station