New exhibition at Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse sheds light on microscopic worlds with ‘fascinating journey of discovery’

A new exhibition aims to shed light on microscopic worlds to mark 400 years since the term ‘microscope’ was first coined.

Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse presents ‘Through the Microscope: Secrets of Norfolk’s changing landscape with Edible East’, which brings together art and cutting-edge science in a fascinating journey of discovery.

The exhibition starts on Monday, March 17 when the rural museum and farm reopens for the new season.

Artists Jennie Pedley and Tara Sampy and horticulturalist Nik Thomson of Edible East have been exploring how the use of the microscope links us to the environmental stories of Norfolk.

To create the exhibition, they have drawn on research taking place at the John Innes Centre and The Centre for Microbial Interactions, both based at Norwich Research Park, as well as the historic collections of the John Innes Foundation and Gressenhall.

The project is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Drawing from insights and images offered by plant scientists, microbiologists and archivists, Edible East invites the public to take a close look at how these tiny worlds play a crucial role in shaping our environment.

From waterways of the Norfolk Broads to soil health, crops and our own gut microbiome, the artists explore how microscopic ‘landscapes’ affect the delicate balance we all rely on.

Artwork on display includes large-scale drawings, collages, plant prints of crops being bred to cope with climate change and installations inside a model theatre. The exhibition offers a visual and playful way into worlds seen through the microscope.

These new works sit alongside early examples of scientific equipment on loan from the John Innes Foundation Historical Collections and rare books from the archives of the John Innes Foundation which present some of the earliest illustrations of plants made with the help of the first microscopes.

The artists will also create new microscope-inspired work with participants from local community groups at Gressenhall. This part of the project will culminate in an outdoor trail which will be available to visitors in time for the school summer holidays.

Nik and Jennie from Edible East will also be on-site at Gressenhall’s Earth Day celebrations which will this year take place during the Easter holidays on Friday, April 11.

Claudia West, director at East of England and Arts Council England, said: “Through the Microscope is a brilliant example of how art can inspire the public’s curiosity and engagement in science.

“By blending scientific research with creative expression, this exhibition offers a fascinating glimpse into the microscopic worlds that shape our lives.”

Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, cabinet member for communities and partnerships at Norfolk County Council, said: "It is a pleasure to see the fruits of this Norfolk-wide partnership between artists, scientists and our very own museums service in this year's exhibition at Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse.

“Edible East artists Jennie Pedley and Tara Sampy have worked with curator Rachel Kidd to produce a fascinating exhibition which celebrates the world-class work of scientists at Norfolk's John Innes Centre.

“Visitors from across the county as well as further afield will enjoy the creative responses to the world as seen through the microscope.”

Ms Sampy, artist and member of Edible East, added: “This project is giving me permission to have fun with the science, and play with scale, exploring the ‘director’ and ‘performer' roles we have in our landscape.”