News / Chocolate
New art project combines history, sculpture and chocolate
A chocolate replica of a ship’s wheel on display in the M Shed is currently being made by the team at Zara’s Chocolates.
It is part of a new art project, Edible Histories, which will see the North Street chocolatiers collaborate with artist Luke Jerram to combine history, sculpture and chocolate.
As part of the Bristol 650 celebrations, five objects will be selected from museums including Aerospace Bristol and Glenside Hospital Museum to tell the story of our city.
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The wheel representing Bristol’s trading history came from the decommissioned ship TSS Bayano, which sailed bananas and rum from the Caribbean.
Replicas of the objects wrapped in gold foil will be placed on display alongside the original pieces within the attractions.
In October, the five objects will be brought together for a free public event, with ten members of the public winning the chance to ceremoniously break the objects using specially designed giant hammers, with the chocolate then eaten as well as being distributed to local food banks.
Artist Luke Jerram, West of England mayor Dan Norris and Zara’s Chocolate founder Zara Naracott – photo: WECA
“I hope this new artwork will engage people in finding out about our city’s history, in a fun and interesting way,” said Jerram, whose previous works have included a waterslide down Park Street, the Play Me I’m Yours pianos, and giant inflatable models of the Earth, Moon and Mars.
“Bristol’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade is an important part of our local history, heavily linked to the production of chocolate, through cocoa and sugar farming.
“Edible Histories will provide an opportunity to engage with this challenging part of our city’s identity.”
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Metro mayor Dan Norris, who recently visited Zara’s Chocolate to watch the wheel take shape, said: “Bristolians can feel rightly proud about our chocolate manufacturing history. We’ve brought and contributed so, so much to this country, and across the globe.
“This is a brilliant project celebrating the fascinating history around some of the objects and places that define this most extraordinary city, old through everyone’s favourite sweet substance.”
Bristol deputy mayor Asher Craig added: “I welcome this project, including the decision not to shy away from some of the more difficult and challenging topics Bristolians need to talk about, and address.
“It’s important that we take the time to learn everything – the good and the bad – about Bristol’s history to ensure future generations are educated and feel connected to this city.”
Main photo: Luke Jerram
Read next:
- A year-long celebration of a 650th anniversary
- 8 stories about Bristol’s chocolate history
- The creation of Bristol24/7’s chocolate magazine cover
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