Persephone’s Bed is a bed that will be placed in different locations in the park in the 4 different seasons. It will be dressed for each of the seasons, autumn, winter, spring and summer. Visitors to the park can lie in the bed and observe the surroundings from the bed in each of the chosen locations. The aim is to give a different perspective by being in the bed to each of the habitats in which in the bed is placed. Being familiar with a bed but not with it being outdoors sometimes in an unfamiliar place. Autumn will be yellows, oranges, gold and reds, Winter will be blues, whites and silvers, spring will be bright blues yellows and green with summer being pinks, reds and whites.
The goddess Persephone will be present on each occasion gracing each location with her presence and vitality. Her story will be told on each occasion as well.
So who is Persephone?
Persephone was a greek goddess who ultimately was responsible for the seasons. Her story goes as follows:
One summer day, Persephone was picking flowers for her mother when Hades, the god of the Underworld, noticed her and fell deepy in love with her. Because of this he decided to abduct her to the Underworld. When her mother Demeter, the goddess of vegetation, realised that Persephone was missing she searched for her for nine days and nights. Eventually she met Helios, the god of the sun, he told her what had happened. Demeter was very angry and abandoned the gods and stopped all fertility on earth. To help the earth Zeus decided it would be best to bring Persephone back to her mother. So he sent his herald Hermes down to the Underworld in order to fetch Persephone.Hades had no choice but to obey his master’s order. However, before allowing Persephone to go , he gave her seven seeds of pomegranate to eat. This way, Persephone would forever be connected to the Underworld and would have to stay there for four months every year. So the seasons were created in the upper world. When Persephone was with her mother, Demeter was so delighted, that the sun was shining and everything flowered and was beautiful. All the time when Persephone was in the Underworld, Persephone and Demeter were in grief and nothing grew- this time was winter!
Many elements of the installation have been donated-upcycling in modern life and thank you to all those who have donated each piece or item especially to the Williams for the donation of this lovely bed.
Please keep an eye on Charron Pugsley-Hill Art on FB and Nene Park Trust on FB for the locations and dates of each seasonal installation as they are released.
Why not aim to experience each of the 4 seasons although please remember that you only have 1 day to come and lie in the bed-can you achieve all 4? Persephone and I look forward to welcoming you to #Persephonesbed.
The Autumn Bed-
The Winter Bed…
The Spring Bed-
The Summer Bed-
The first location will be visible from the Visitor centre being near the path to the new Badger Playground.
For more information on my art and to see what original paintings, prints, cards and gifts are currently for sale please visit charronpugsleyhill.com
