Friends of Cookham Abbey will have a joint stand with Maidenhead and Marlow Archaeology and History Society at Cookham Regatta on Saturday 5th September.
We also have a joint team in the dragon boat racing with Holy Trinity Church “The Holy Diggers”.
We hope to see you there.
Three artists respond to the Saxon archaeological excavation at Cookham, exploring how objects, materials and traces of making connect us with lives lived over 1,300 years ago.
10am-5pm 12-13th September at Cookham Parish Centre.
Emma Przygrodzka
Artist in Residence at Cookham Abbey, Emma’s ceramic practice explores the relationship between clay, memory and place. Responding to Saxon pottery uncovered through excavation, she is exploring the layers of ground revealed through the dig — the physical traces of time, occupation and human activity held within the landscape.
Through hand-building, mark-making and experimental firing processes, Emma investigates form, surface and texture, reimagining vessels shaped by use, touch and time. Her work explores imperfection, transformation and the traces left behind by human hands, creating a bridge between archaeological objects of the past and contemporary ceramic practice.
Philippa Shire Oudekerk
Guest Artist at Cookham Abbey, captivated by the slow emergence of materials and finds that reveal clues about Saxon life, Philippa’s work begins with observation and response. During the excavation, she documented the site through light-sensitive contact prints made from materials collected on location, creating a starting point for further experimentation.
Her work explores fragments, impressions and fleeting encounters — considering how landscape and material can hold traces of place, memory and discovery.
Sarah Horlock
Guest Artist at Cookham Abbey, inspired by the traces revealed through the cemetery excavation, nearby barrows and churchyard, Sarah’s work explores themes of memorial, record and remembrance. Drawing on archaeological discoveries including the folded coin and lead sheet found in 2023, she works with porcelain to inscribe, fold and pierce delicate forms that echo gestures found within the archaeological record.
Together, these new works form UNEARTHED — an exhibition exploring material, memory and the human traces that endure.
Part of the Cookham & Maidenhead Arts Trail (CAMAT), taking place alongside Cookham’s Heritage Weekend. Make a day of it by exploring contemporary art, archaeology and the village’s rich history.
Three artists respond to the Saxon archaeological excavation at Cookham, exploring how objects, materials and traces of making connect us with lives lived over 1,300 years ago.
10am-5pm 12-13th September at Cookham Parish Centre.
Emma Przygrodzka
Artist in Residence at Cookham Abbey, Emma’s ceramic practice explores the relationship between clay, memory and place. Responding to Saxon pottery uncovered through excavation, she is exploring the layers of ground revealed through the dig — the physical traces of time, occupation and human activity held within the landscape.
Through hand-building, mark-making and experimental firing processes, Emma investigates form, surface and texture, reimagining vessels shaped by use, touch and time. Her work explores imperfection, transformation and the traces left behind by human hands, creating a bridge between archaeological objects of the past and contemporary ceramic practice.
Philippa Shire Oudekerk
Guest Artist at Cookham Abbey, captivated by the slow emergence of materials and finds that reveal clues about Saxon life, Philippa’s work begins with observation and response. During the excavation, she documented the site through light-sensitive contact prints made from materials collected on location, creating a starting point for further experimentation.
Her work explores fragments, impressions and fleeting encounters — considering how landscape and material can hold traces of place, memory and discovery.
Sarah Horlock
Guest Artist at Cookham Abbey, inspired by the traces revealed through the cemetery excavation, nearby barrows and churchyard, Sarah’s work explores themes of memorial, record and remembrance. Drawing on archaeological discoveries including the folded coin and lead sheet found in 2023, she works with porcelain to inscribe, fold and pierce delicate forms that echo gestures found within the archaeological record.
Together, these new works form UNEARTHED — an exhibition exploring material, memory and the human traces that endure.
Part of the Cookham & Maidenhead Arts Trail (CAMAT), taking place alongside Cookham’s Heritage Weekend. Make a day of it by exploring contemporary art, archaeology and the village’s rich history.
Held alongside the annual Cookham Archaeological Dig, this workshop invites you to connect with the past through clay. This is a rare opportunity to create in the midst of an active archaeological excavation, drawing inspiration from the history beneath your feet. Working with natural materials and simple tools, deepen your connection with the past through making.
During this session, you will create a ceramic vessel inspired by Saxon burial storage and cooking urns, considering how these forms were made, including the tools and firing methods involved. The emphasis is on gesture, form and texture rather than perfection.
This three-hour workshop (10.30am–1.30pm) is open to adults and younger family members when accompanied by an adult. All abilities are welcome, including complete beginners.
Finished pieces will be dried, fired and glazed before being available for collection during CAMAT Weekend (12–13 September 2026) at the Parish Centre.
Follow the residency and workshops on Instagram: @emmaprzygrodzka
Held alongside the annual Cookham Archaeological Dig, this workshop invites you to connect with the past through clay. This is a rare opportunity to create in the midst of an active archaeological excavation, drawing inspiration from the history beneath your feet. Working with natural materials and simple tools, deepen your connection with the past through making.
During this session, you’ll create your own ceramic mug, beginning with sketching your design inspired by Saxon pottery and archaeological finds. You’ll learn simple hand-building techniques and decorate your piece using mark-making tools. The emphasis is on gesture, form and texture rather than perfection.
This three-hour workshop (10.30am–1.30pm) is open to adults and younger family members when accompanied by an adult. All abilities are welcome, including complete beginners.
Finished pieces will be dried, fired and glazed before being available for collection during CAMAT Weekend (12–13 September 2026) at the Parish Centre.
Follow the residency and workshops on Instagram: @emmaprzygrodzka
Held alongside the annual Cookham Archaeological Dig, this workshop invites you to connect with the past through clay. This is a rare opportunity to create in the midst of an active archaeological excavation, drawing inspiration from the history beneath your feet. Working with natural materials and simple tools, deepen your connection with the past through making.
During this session, you’ll create your own ceramic mug, beginning with sketching your design inspired by Saxon pottery and archaeological finds. You’ll learn simple hand-building techniques and decorate your piece using slip to create expressive marks and patterns. The emphasis is on gesture, form and pattern rather than perfection.
This three-hour workshop (10.30am–1.30pm) is open to adults and younger family members when accompanied by an adult. All abilities are welcome, including complete beginners.
Finished pieces will be dried, fired and glazed before being available for collection during CAMAT Weekend (12–13 September 2026) at the Parish Centre.
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Join what promises to be an interesting talk on “What Lies Beneath Holy Trinity Cookham?”. Between them, speakers aim to take the history of the church site back to the predecessor church(es) recorded in Domesday Book and possibly relating to the Abbey recorded in the charter of AD 798. There are even hints of prehistoric use. The talk will be a fundraiser for both Friends of Cookham Abbey and Holy Trinity Church. Doors open at 7.40pm when there will be complimentary refreshments. The talk will begin at 8pm. It can also be joined online. More details can be found by following the “Get Tickets” link. |
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Get ready for:
Brand-new history and archaeology-themed games
Creative hands-on activities to spark your imagination
Virtual Reality experiences that bring amazing sites to life— including the fascinating Cookham Dig! It’s the perfect way to explore the past while having a fantastic time with friends.
Booking for this fun event is via the Cookham Festival website with ticket receipts going to the Festival.
Step into the haunting world of Saxon Cookham Abbey in a spellbinding live performance by Friends of Cookham Abbey trustee David Gilbert, alongside musicians LucyAnne Taylor and Sarah Lambert Gates.
Drawing on excerpts from David’s forthcoming book “The Cookham Chronicles: Silver Serpent”, this immersive event weaves storytelling with live folk music and Anglo-Saxon woodwind, bringing an ancient landscape vividly to life.
Rich in atmosphere and imagination, this is a captivating experience for audiences of all ages — a story to delight the whole family.
The performance lasts approximately 30 minutes. Tickets are available from Cookham Festival at a cost of £5.75.