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.
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.
Portraits from all the locations will be exhibited from 15th March, on the hoardings close to Laindon Health Centre. Between 10am and 4pm on the same day (at the same location), artists K&B Design will lead a workshop to decorate the bench itself, after which it will be donated to the community.
The portraits from Langdon Nature Discovery Park will also be on show at their visitor centre for a couple of weeks, from the same date.
Jean and Christine
Sharon and Daniel
Khelsey and Charlotte (with Prince)
Andy, Dishan and Kelechi
Sam (with Lula-Belle)
Jennifer
Thomas, Charlie, Chloe and Paizley
Christine and Janice
Roy and Brenda
Burhanuddin, Batul and Insiyah
Rani, Abitha and Elango (with Jupiter)
Grace
Roland, Robert and Mike
Rosie and Harley
Oli, Justin and David
Destiny
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.