Little Cures - Curator's Note

We might think that John Hall’s world of ‘humours’ is one far away from our own. Yet John Hall’s A Little Book of Cures would sit very happily alongside the pocket-sized novelties that we find in contemporary gift shops; The Little Book of Positivity; —of Mindfulness; —of Self-Care. These volumes attests to our present-day compulsion for mood regulation.

Hall’s Croft has presented a potent context in which to examine the ancestry of ‘melancholy’, a feeling conspicuous in contemporary art and how we think today.

Curating something so physical in a digital format has been a big challenge, but such a welcome one, and one which I have thoroughly enjoyed. Capturing the textures and atmosphere of Halls Croft and bringing the house to an audience whilst it is closed has been a privilege. I must credit photographer James Dobson for his skill in capturing the artworks in situ - you were instrumental in helping this project come to life.

I would like to thank the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust for their adaptability, at such a difficult time, and express my gratitude to staff, both past and present, across the Estates, Creative Programming, Collections, Digital and Marketing teams for their help in bringing the online exhibition to fruition.

Thank you to all five artists for your faith and patience over the last 12 months! It has been lovely to work with you and curate your works in this unique space.

I would like to express particular thanks to Lucy Brant - for your boundless energy and collaboration on this project, your vision and willingness to try new approaches, thank you, it has been a joy.

Finally, I would like to credit the late Dr Greg Wells for bringing the work of John Hall to a wider audience through his work to translate Hall’s A Little Book of Cures, and whose work was the impetus of this exhibition. Dr Wells’ John Hall: Master Physicke is available for purchase and is published by Manchester University Press in collaboration with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

Martha Kelsey