Spalding Reconnected: Historic Town and Riverside
A Community Celebration of Heritage, River, and Place.
SPALDING RECONNECTED: HISTORIC TOWN & RIVERSIDE was a vibrant three-year community arts project (2022–2025) that celebrated Spalding’s rich heritage and unique riverside setting. Developed in partnership by South Holland District Council, Heritage Lincolnshire, Transported Art, East Mercia Rivers Trust, Lincolnshire County Council, and Landmark. The project reconnected residents and visitors alike with the town’s stories, architecture, and natural beauty and was made possible thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery Players.
After initial creative consultations in 2023, a wide range of heritage-themed taster sessions were held — from sketching and stone painting to bookmaking — where participants of all ages shared their memories of Spalding.
The RIVER WELLAND consistently emerged as a key symbol of memory, connection, and change. These conversations led to the creation of artworks that bring new life to Spalding’s riverwalk, transforming it into a space for quiet reflection, conversation, and reconnection with nature and history
Arts group A&E COLLABORATIVE, artist LIZ KELLEHER, and illustrator ROBBIE KING led workshops with young people and local groups to create banners celebrating the town. Drawing on community-sourced stories and research from the SPALDING GENTLEMEN’S SOCIETY, the final four-part mural used cyanotypes, collage, and willow weaving. These banners were revealed in a celebratory riverside procession, complete with music, dancing, and homemade cakes.
the riverwalk arts trail
along london road, in spalding, alongside the river wellan
Living Willow Sculptures
Alison Walling of Lincolnshire Willow led a month-long series of workshops, teaching volunteers to weave both decorative and living willow artworks. Willow, once central to the Fens’ eel-trapping and bulb-basket making industries, became the material of choice to honour Spalding’s natural and economic heritage.
You can find these artworks in front of Ayscoughfee Hall School.
Key installations include:
EEL TRAP TUNNEL
A large, walk-through sculpture on the green in front of Ayscoughfee Hall School, inspired by traditional eel traps and celebrating the now-protected eel species
ARCHITECTURAL FRAMES
Woven structures such as the Gothic Archway, Transoms and Mullions and Town House Views, echoing Spalding’s historic buildings and encouraging viewers to see the town anew.
RIVER REFLECTION FRAME
A peaceful willow frame positioned to capture the calm and rhythm of the River Welland.
Stone Way Markers
Artist EMILY CARTWRIGHT, in collaboration with JAMIE HAWKER of JRH Services, created a series of engraved STONE WAY MARKERS. These serve both as artistic signage and textured elements ideal for rubbings. The nature-inspired designs — drawing from the symmetrical folk art of WYCINANKI — include:
- KINGFISHERS, GREBE, SWAN, HERON, EEL, FLOWERS, LEAVES IN WATER, and a WILLOW TREE.
These markers bring attention to the animals and plants that inhabit the riverside, offering small moments to pause and engage through touch and observation. They also connect with the ARTEFACT TRAIL, another Transported project using etched brass plaques for frottage art.
Trail experience
Impact and Legacy
The trail invites people to rediscover the familiar through new eyes, offering an accessible, reflective experience for all. It forms part of a wider effort to connect the town centre with its historic riverbanks, blending heritage, creativity, and environmental care.
LENGTH: Approx. 0.4 miles (10 minutes at a steady pace)
PARKING: Free on-street parking along London Road; nearest car park is Vine Street
ACCESS: Flat, tarmacked paths, including a footbridge
PARTICIPANTS INVOLVED: Just under 250
AUDIENCE REACHED: Nearly 4,000 people
CELEBRATION EVENT: Took place on SATURDAY, 8 FEBRUARY 2025, unveiling the new artworks and way markers along the River Welland.
Download the trail map here
The project was led by South Holland District Council and was made possible with the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players. The delivery partners were Heritage Lincolnshire, Transported, East Mercia Rivers Trust, Landmark and Lincolnshire County Council.