The Marsh Mosaics (Didier Rochard)

Didier Rochard has worked with the Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust to support initiatives to advance public education about the history and architecture of Romney Marsh’s medieval churches.

In 2020-21, as part of the Fifth Continent Landscape Partnership Scheme, 391 people took part in community workshops to create 10 new mosaic artworks, inspired by the heritage and wildlife of Romney Marsh. Each mosaic features one of the marsh’s medieval churches, capturing historic themes, folklore and landscape features from the marsh villages and towns.

Didier Rochard worked with lead artists Yolanda and John Houston, from Teach Me studios in New Romney, to crowd-source ideas from the local community in order to develop the designs, also working closely with the 10 churches involved. Following a special launch event in 2021 at St. Nicholas’ Church in New Romney, the artworks are now being exhibited in 10 of the Romney Marsh churches, helping draw visitors to these ancient and at-risk buildings. The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and The Lochlands Trust for supporting the initial project.

In 2022, with the support of a further grant from the Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust, four more mosaics were created, completing the set of all 14 medieval churches south of the Royal Military Canal. Community workshops took place at locations across the marsh to create mosaics for Fairfield, Old Romney, Snave and Snargate, bringing to life the intriguing history of these cherished churches and the ancient settlements around them.

The new works were unveiled during JAM On The Marsh festival in July 2022, as a trail embracing all 14 churches, accompanied by an online exhibition.