Lentonness

In 2018, as part of Making Place, Bahbak Hashemi-Nezhad ran workshops with Lenton residents, sharing stories, images, and myths about the local area. Through this process, the group distilled a question to ask the wider public in the area: "What is Lentonness?"

The responses gathered so far featured in a public artwork taking the form of an LED sign, displayed on the side of the Savoy Cinema from 2019–2020.  The different definitions give a rich picture of the many things that Lenton means to local people – from long-term residents, elders and children, to new communities and students – at a time when the neighbourhood has undergone significant changes. They offer snapshots of place, memories, humour, poetry, loss and hope.

The project was designed to keep on evolving, with new definitions added to the original responses, and the artwork touring to other local venues.

Lentonness Relaunch: Crocus Café, 2021
18 Lenton Boulevard, NG7 2ES

In March 2021, we’re relaunching the Lentonness sign at the Crocus Café on Lenton Boulevard. The text includes new definitions and we welcome additional responses to add to this ever-growing definition of Lenton.

The café is currently closed, but you can walk past at any time to view the artwork.

This project was developed by Bahbak Hashemi-Nezhad in collaboration with Primary, local Lenton residents, Thomas Helwys Baptist Church, Lenton Drives and Neighbours Residents Association and Edna G Olds Academy.

Lentonness was commissioned by Primary as part of the ‘Making Place’ programme, and was produced in partnership with Near Now, Broadway’s studio for arts, design and innovation, supported using public funding by the Arts Council England. The project is kindly supported by Near Neighbours and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.