THE latest installation on Watchet’s East Quay has been unveiled with Pod 5 being transformed into an immersive artwork by jewellery maker and artist in residence Rachel Eardley.
Designed by Pearce+, each of the five accommodation pods at East Quay is dedicated to creativity, weaving together the town’s culture and heritage.
Pod 5 is positioned on the highest level of East Quay and offers views of the Bristol Channel, the Quantock Hills, Exmoor National Park, and beyond.
Titled ‘Loving your land’, Ms Eardley’s design draws inspiration from the picturesque landscapes of West Somerset, blending the elements of local oak trees in the Quantocks with the dramatic coastline of Watchet.
The installation features a blend of mixed media artworks, including a painted ‘wallpaper’ motif illustrating dusky pink walls adorned with antique plates, each depicting snippets of the local landscape.
Upstairs, guests will discover the ‘Stitching Snug’, a cosy retreat with hand-crafted cushions embroidered with symbols of everyday life in Somerset, alongside delicate wall hangings showcasing local cultural icons such as Styles Farmhouse Ice Cream.
Ms Eardley engaged with the community through workshops and collaborative stitching sessions, inviting guests to contribute their tales through the stitching process.
She said: “I come from a craft background and primarily work as a jeweller, but I also create textiles and fine-line drawings.
“My work aims to draw connections between objects, places, and my desire to celebrate the everyday simple things around us.
“I reflect on all the possessions we already have, emphasising recycling and reuse.”