OY! Mythology of the Moor

Brought to you by Andrew Whittle & Caitlin Clarke

Project Overview

OY! Mythology of the Moor was a collaborative community arts project led by artists Caitlin Clarke and Andrew Whittle, supported through the Natural Beauty & The Beast Community Grant Fund. Inspired by the archaeology, mythology, and landscape of Bodmin Moor, the project invited participants to reconnect with ancient craft traditions through the creation of a large-scale ceramic installation.

The project centred around the prehistoric landscapes of Rillaton Barrow and The Hurlers Stone Circles, combining archaeological interpretation, creative workshops, wood-firing techniques, and community storytelling. Participants explored the relationship between people, place, and materials by creating ceramic beads inspired by Bronze Age artefacts, local ecology, and ancient creation myths.

The programme aimed to increase public understanding of Bodmin Moor’s cultural and natural heritage while providing inclusive creative opportunities for local communities, including Bodmin College SEN students, Saint Petrocs clients, local schools, families, artists, and residents.

What took place?

The project combined archaeology, creativity, and community engagement through a programme of guided walks, bead-making workshops, a traditional wood-kiln firing, and a public exhibition. Participants explored sites including Rillaton Barrow and The Hurlers Stone Circles, learned about Bodmin Moor’s heritage, and created ceramic beads inspired by prehistoric artefacts, local mythology, and natural materials.

In total, 97 people participated in workshops and 148 people visited the exhibition, reaching 245 people overall.

Outcomes

The project delivered a range of positive outcomes for participants and the wider community:

Future opportunities generated, with interest from additional exhibition venues and cultural organisations helping to extend the project’s impact beyond its initial delivery period.

Increased understanding of Bodmin Moor’s heritage, including its archaeology, mythology, prehistoric monuments, and cultural significance.

Stronger connections to the landscape, with many participants feeling inspired to explore more of the Moor and engage with local heritage sites.

Development of creative skills through hands-on ceramic workshops, traditional making techniques, and the use of locally sourced natural materials.

Improved wellbeing and social connection, with participants describing the experience as calming, grounding, inspiring, and welcoming.

Successful community engagement, reaching 245 people through workshops and exhibition events, exceeding original participation expectations.

Creation of a lasting legacy artwork, co-produced by participants and exhibited publicly as a celebration of the Moor’s history, ecology, and creative traditions.

Conclusion

OY! Mythology of the Moor successfully brought together heritage, landscape, ecology, and community creativity to create a meaningful and memorable experience for participants. Through archaeological exploration, artistic practice, and collective storytelling, the project helped people build deeper connections with Bodmin Moor and its ancient history.

By combining hands-on learning with inclusive community engagement, the project exceeded participation targets, fostered wellbeing and curiosity, and created a lasting artwork rooted in the spirit of the Moor. Its success demonstrates how creative interpretation can make heritage more accessible, helping people not only learn about the landscape’s past but also develop a stronger sense of stewardship and connection for the future.