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(photo by Linda Sneddon)
The Guardian, Leader, 8th December 2006
The Witches Gestalt
Completed October 2005
The Gestalt is part of a "Witches Experience" which includes "Witches Gates" and an exhibition of documentation to backup this powerful story. Developed from idea by Gordon Prestoungrange. The Gestalt is meant to be a place of contemplation, to ponder for a while on how 81 women and men were accused and tortured in Prestonpans around 1600 of being Witches, often accused of such things as "putting herbs into a soup", "whispering to horses" and "sweeping a doorway on a Sunday".
Instead of just producing a mural, it is infact a combination of tradition Public Art materials: painting,stone and tiles. The painting involved local artists June Coull and Adele Roberston.While the stonecarving was created by Gardner Molloy and Ceramic tiles by Tim Clapcott.
The memorial is part of The Witches Gestalt that tells the whole story, starting with the gates, the memorial itself and reference to Helen Duncan and Winston Churchill. The Gates were designed and painted by Tom Ewing. They depict Mary Queen of Scots and John Knox inventing the witchcraft act, then James VI and Gelie Duncan.
Once a year a ceremony takes place where springs of herbs, to heal the wounds, are placed on the memorial.
The project was part funded by Heritage Lottery.
Website links to other artists/craftsmen involved.
You can also read the book.
