The Purfleet One Float Carnival

Artist: Jane Wilbraham
Location: Purfleet

In her project 'The Purfleet One Float Carnival or The Re-inauguration of the Ministerial Fish Dinner' Jane Wilbraham's research drew on the rich and varied history of Purfleet and it s relationship to the food, transport and the river, its proximity to London, and especially the fish dinners enjoyed by government ministers in the eighteenth century.

In collaboration with architect David Bickle (Hawkins/Brown), she created a large sculpture which was fabricated by All Scene All Props in Kent. As the project name suggests the sculpture in the form of a giant fish, toured around Purfleet accompanied by the sound of vintage fairground band organ music, operating as a multi-functional spectacle while children from Purfleet Primary joined in the one float carnival.

Wilbraham also created 'The Purfleet Cookbook' consisting of food recipes, food memories and anecdotes with contributions from the Purfleet Heritage Centre and the residents at Mulberry Drive sheltered housing amongst others.