An artist from Farnham has offered a new perspective on a controversial development, despite her own complex history with the site.
Kate Kennington-Steer has taken on the task of illuminating the history of Brightwells Yard for its new residents, offering a series of creative workshops aimed at reconnecting the site with its roots as a vibrant cultural hub.
Kate, who was once the education director at the Redgrave Theatre, has a personal connection to the space. In 1997, she was made redundant as the theatre was closed to make way for the development.
Like many others, she fought against the proposals for redevelopment, advocating instead for the site to be reopened as a creative space for young artists.
After a series of personal challenges, however, including a diagnosis of myalgic encephalomyelitis, known as ME or chronic fatigue syndrome, her relationship with the site became strained, and it evolved into a symbol of discontent for her.
Kate said “I think we all need creativity in life. I was shocked and angry when I first went back to the site in 2023 because of my personal history.
“But I can stand on the sidelines and be one of the angry people in Farnham or I could be a one of the people who brings light and creativity to the site.
“Real people now live at Brightwells Yard and Farnham is filled with many wonderful creatives who are trying to make life better for new and existing residents.”
Kate was disappointed the theatre was closed in 1998, although it was not demolished until 20 years later in 2018.
She says going to the site used to bring up feelings of professional failure as the closure of the Redgrave made her feel as if her work was not good enough.
After lecturing in art and working at Guildford School of Acting and Royal Holloway, she joined Creative Response in 2010 and was awarded a Disability Arts Surrey bursary to collaborate with New Ashgate Gallery in 2023.
This partnership led to the How Bright Can You Go? workshop, which attracted people of various backgrounds to create cards for the new residents of Brightwells Yard.
Despite her previous opposition the development, Kate and the New Ashgate Gallery set up the free workshops on Gostrey Meadow to create welcome cards for every resident at the development. A total of 239 cards have been delivered, one for each new resident.
These were then packed into welcome bundles by volunteers at St Andrew’s Church to deliver to the new residents.
At Farnham Folk Day on June 14 more last year, more than 90 participants took part in the workshops.
The site sparked Kate’s creativity after she saw the old window she use to look out of in Brightwells House.
She now values Brightwells Yard for the creative opportunities it offers and believes it can once again become a hub for Farnham's creative community.
