The Bothy: Congregation

‘The Bothy’ is an outdoor installation in the Minerva Apothecary Garden, intended as a form of shelter and respite, and a shared public space that has been reimagined and reinvented for people’s needs. ‘The Bothy’ is part of Alberta Whittle’s 2021-2022 project with Grand Union, ‘Congregation: Creating Dangerously’.

A landscape image of the Bothy. The bothy structure, which looks like a small shed, is bright blue, with red shutters and details. Surrounding the Bothy, there is a gravel floor, tall brick walls, and a variety of green plants, which are partially visible in the frame. Pale blue sky peaks through gaps in the fluffy white clouds above. — Bothy, Alberta Whittle, (June 2022) Photo by Patrick Dandy

Using the model of a Scottish bothy – which provides temporary shelter and is free for anyone to use – the artist, Birmingham-based Women’s organisations, and MJM Bespoke have designed a structure referencing a Barbadian Chattel House in the area connecting the Grand Union Canal to the Minerva Apothecary Garden. Within our approach to mutual care is the importance of respite as a framework for support.

This permanent, outdoor installation is intended as a form of shelter and respite, and a shared public space that has been reimagined and reinvented for people’s needs.

It is our hope that the different groups we work with can become active caretakers of the respite shelter, using it for:

– community meetings and organising

– a place for solace

– a site for prayer and meditation

– holding the memories of groups coming together

– listening and sharing histories

– reimagining new possibilities of freedom

A Landscape image of a large group of people stood by the bright blue structure of the Bothy, taken from across the canal. The Bothy is partially obscured by the group, who stand and sit in small groups in front of it. The dark, calm water of the canal stretches in front of the scene. Behind the group and the Bothy, a large brick building is visible. — Launch of ‘the Bothy,’ by Alberta Whittle, Minerva Garden Women’s Group, and MJM Bespoke, Birmingham. Photo by Tom Harris, 2022.

This public sculpture will be designed to be spacious enough to hold ten people at a time, with intentional viewing spots of the sky and land. These subtle design features will support an acknowledgement towards understanding how natural resources can contribute to healing communities.

This project is generously supported by Arts Council England and National Lottery Heritage Fund

Launch of The Bothy by Alberta Whittle, Grand Union, Birmingham. Image by Nina Bailie, 2022.

Visit the Bothy →