The Laindon Bench Project was a free community art project that I took to various locations around the Essex town of Laindon in January and February 2025.
The project was conceived as a way of highlighting how benches can be a focus for the community - a place to rest or meet with friends.
Participants were invited to take their own self portrait by clicking a remote switch linked to the camera.
Over 250 portraits from all the locations were exhibited on the hoardings close to Laindon Health Centre, and portraits from Langdon Nature Discovery Park were on display at their visitor centre.
I collaborated with artists Kirsty and Brittany from K&B Design, who led a workshop to decorate the bench itself, after which it was donated to the community.
Chloe and Paizley
Sam and Lula-Belle
Destiny
Grace
Burhanuddin, Batul and Insiyah
Wayne and Ann
Andy, Dishan and Kelechi
Sharon and Daniel
Cathy, John and Monty
Dave, Albert and Alan
Rani, Abitha, Elango and Jupiter
Roy and Brenda
Jeff and Richard
Khelsey, Charlotte and Prince
Oli, Justin and David
Jennifer
Rosie and Harley
Roland, Robert and Mike
Christine and Janice
Kyle, Rhea and Vanessa
Rhian, Marnie and Karis
Jean and Christine
Molley, Jake, Franklyn and Frances
Ethan
Dave
Grace and Mo
Evie
Lewis and Abel
Paula
Marissa and Marcus
Susan, Sam and Charlotte
The Laindon Bench Project was created by Mark Massey and was commissioned by Creative Basildon via the Laindon Voices community group. It was part of the 2025 Field Artist commissions, which also took place in Pitsea, Wickford, Basildon and Billericay. It was supported by funding from Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places programme, and with further support from Sanctuary.
