The Rea Garden is currently hosting its first ‘Artist in Residence’ Hannah Hull. Hannah will be at The Garden throughout the Autumn of 2009 creating work in response to the site. During her stay so far Hannah has been researching the history of the site, and will be making works based on her findings. The Garden is open each Friday from 11am – 4pm during Hannah’s residency.

The Secret Garden project finished in June 2008, however the site is now  being used as a project space for a series of artist residencies, these residencies are for both invited artists and by a proposal process. The Rea Garden is another Behind Closed Doors venture, Arlene and Paul are managing the artist in residence part of The Rea Garden. Currently artists Ian England and Alex Lockett are working in the space as well as Anne Guest and Helen Grundy. Leon meanwhile is transforming the semi-derelict area to host a geodesic dome.

For details of Alex and Ian’s Project Pigeon click here

For details of Anne and Helen’s Unnatural Selection project click here

This shed was uncovered when we started to clear up the site, it was full to the brim of folded cardboard boxes. We cleared it out and used it throughout the Secret Garden Project, however I’m hoping to put a new roof on it this summer as its been leaking badly.

Secret Garden Shed

Originally uploaded by Arlene Burnett

shipping container boxes no 1

Originally uploaded by Arlene Burnett

Originally uploaded by Arlene Burnett

just over two weeks until the opening of the Secret Garden and the place is unrecognizable as the place we first encountered back in September 07

secret garden

Originally uploaded by arlene burnett

this was taken using a medium format pinhole camera, the long exposure captured the movement of the suit

secret garden

Originally uploaded by arlene burnett

The secret garden is an ongoing project from Behind Closed Doors, we are currently working in a small section of land which has been cut off from the public for over 20 years. During that time the weeds have taken over creating a secret garden in the heart of Birmingham.