Transported have worked in partnership with Boston Borough Council to commission Neil Baker of film company Electric Egg to create a series of “portraits” of the stalls and stall holders of Bargate Green Market in Boston. The artwork celebrates the traders and through them, Boston’s history as a trading town.
Neil Baker, a Lincolnshire based artist and graphic designer, spent three months visiting the market, observing and talking to different stall holders. Neil’s work makes reference to the wares they sell, the heritage of trading in a town like Boston, the sights and sounds that he witnessed and the characters he encountered. The final designs take the form of eleven banners, each bespoke to the different stalls of the Bargate market, which will be displayed at the market every Wednesday from October 2015.
Market trading has had a significant role in Boston’s history and way of life since it first became a major trading town in the 12th century, and although what is bought and sold at markets has changed dramatically in the last nine hundred years, the importance and vibrancy of the markets have not. The town’s trading history is particularly relevant as Boston Borough Council discuss applying to join the modern Hanseatic League, an international trading partnership that has helped to increase tourism and economic ties for other trading towns such as Kings Lynn.
Neil said: “I was very excited by this project, to work on such a large scale series was an exciting prospect especially with such a diversity of subject matter, from the traditional commodities of fresh produce on sale by Chris the greengrocer to L&B auctions bizarre array of items offered up for sale that include everything and the kitchen sink.”
Leanne Willis, Boston Borough Council said: “Boston Borough Council are operating closely with Transported focusing on the importance of the historic market town. The market is already a recognised tourist attraction in its own right but there are still people within the locality that will be surprised at the diverse and attractive range of goods that the market has to offer. Neil Baker, artist has been working closely with some of the current market traders to try to artistically portray the personal feel that the market has whilst also reminding of the importance of the history behind Boston Markets. I am hoping that the art piece will encourage the public to visit the Bargate Green Market and to continue to be proud of their local people & local businesses.”
