Saltways: Crystallising Journeys Over Time

Popular local artist, Iain Davidson, returns to Nantwich Museum with his exhibition ‘Saltways: Crystallising Journeys Over Time’ which has opened in the Community Gallery and is due to run until Saturday 2 May. Based on Iain’s Masters thesis, the exhibition explores through the medium of art the history of local salt making with particular reference to transport. A mixed-media map reminiscent of the sails of the Weaver Flats, which once exported salt down the River Weaver, identifies routes of the ancient saltways and the location of archaeological finds.

Stoneware pots – the jaggers – recall the Iron Age containers once used to prepare and distribute salt and have been decorated with modern-day images and the faraway destinations to where once packhorses carried salt. Glass cube sculptures encrusted with salt remember the traditional salt wagons which superseded the packhorse trains and remind visitors of the names of some famous salt makers. Local authorities were once puzzled over the number of funerals following the saltways. The exhibition provides the answer. The colourful and simple rag rugs, which once served to warm the floors of the Flats can also be seen.

A creative workshop will take place in the Millennium Gallery from 10:30am -11:30am on Saturday 4 April.

The museum in Pillory Street is open from 10.00 am - 4.00 pm Tuesday - Saturday. Entry is free to the museum and exhibition.