Merge

Merge is an interactive collection of works that represent narratives of The Estuary.  Born out of REHLM's collective experiences, Merge connects with the themes of climate, protest, and imperial legacy and how they continue to shape and stem the flow of The Estuary.   

Local and international artists were commissioned for the project to respond to four locations and stories marked in both place and time along The Estuary. Merge has produced four bespoke rubbing stones in response to: 
 - Gravesend, the burial ground of Pocahontas', the kidnapped Native American woman brought to England in the 1600s. 
- Tilbury Docks, the entry for 1000s of Caribbean immigrants last century. 
- Southend-on-Sea's emerging new coastline across as a result of climate change and erosion.   
- Wat Tyler Park, the memorial of the peasant's revolt in reaction to poll tax increases of the 1300s, which saw them demand economic and social reforms.   

Visitors will be able to pick up a limited edition printed zine from our on site hub (or download it online) and interact with the rubbing stones, tracing their surfaces, merging them to form an interconnected image and story.   

Venues and dates:
Gunners Park 29-30 May
Chalkwell Park 5-6 June 
Wat Tyler Country Park 12-13 June 

A map, the stories, and images of each artwork are also accessible online for audiences to explore and interact with if they cannot attend in person