The Heart of Suntrap
The Heart of Suntrap
Suntrap Forest Centre is in High Beach, Epping Forest. Originally build in 1894 as a children’s tuberculosis sanatorium, during the 2nd world war it became a hospital for expectant mothers. In the 1950’s the building housed families in need of homes. In 1967 London Borough of Waltham Forest bought Suntrap to create an environmental education centre accessible for every child in the borough. Since then Suntrap has welcomed school children of all ages, family and community groups to explore the natural environment within this ancient woodland. Currently a £4.5 million major redevelopment programme is underway with a deadline date of 2020.
Emma Bond - Suntrap Forest Centre
Artist in residence funded by The Great Place: Creative Connections
Emma Bond is a freelance illustrator based locally in Walthamstow. Since studying Studio Ceramics at Falmouth College of Arts, her unique style of storytelling through illustration has led to various projects including workshops with schools and adults, regular commissions and work for multinational brands. Alongside her distinctive fine line illustrative style, Emma has a broad range of artistic experience, including a residency in Slovakia focused on traditional textile handcrafts. Much of her work captures interdependence of heritage buildings and nature, which makes her perfect for capturing and preserving a snapshot in time of the historic Suntrap building and grounds.
‘Through documenting the beautiful wildlife and buildings that they've called home for so long I hope I can capture the magical spirit and the stories it has to tell. I feel envious of children growing up in the borough and experiencing a school trip here’.