FUSE Network Members Edible East are launching their most ambitious exhibition yet! Funded by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, this innovative project blends art, science, and history to reveal Norfolk’s hidden microscopic worlds – and they can’t wait for you to explore it!
Through the Microscope: secrets of Norfolk’s changing landscape
Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse is delighted to present ‘Through the Microscope: secrets of Norfolk’s changing landscape with Edible East’. This unique collaboration between artists, scientists, and historians will take visitors on an immersive journey into the unseen microscopic worlds that shape Norfolk’s environment, from soil health and plant life to waterways and even the human gut microbiome.
The exhibition marks 400 years since the term microscope was first coined, celebrating its impact on our understanding of the natural world. Led by the Edible East team, artists Jennie Pedley and Tara Sampy, along with horticulturalist Nik Thomson, the project draws on cutting-edge research from John Innes Centre and The Centre for Microbial Interactions at Norwich Research Park. Through a mix of art, science, and historical archives, the exhibition offers a fresh perspective on how microscopic life influences the Norfolk landscape and our daily lives.
Nik Thomson, Horticulturalist and member of Edible East said: “It’s a privilege to experience people’s excitement when they see plants and soil under magnification; the unveiling of a secret world that drives the imagination and shows how interdependent the world is. The study and understanding of nature is so important for all of our futures.”
Visitors can immerse themselves in a diverse range of artistic interpretations of microscopic imagery, from large-scale drawings, plant prints, and collages inspired by climate-resilient crops to intricate installations inside a model theatre, where tiny worlds are brought to life. The exhibition also features silhouette portraits of scientists and staff, creatively woven into microscopic landscapes, highlighting the hidden connections between people and nature. Adding a historical perspective, visitors can explore fascinating artefacts, including a replica 17th-century microscope and rare books that showcase some of the earliest illustrations of plants seen through a microscope.
Jennie Pedley, artist and member of Edible East said: “Through meetings with archivists and researchers we are learning about the need to restore the delicate balance of microscopic life in the soil, in plants and in ourselves. I am loving looking at the past, present and future of the Norfolk environment through the lens of the microscope! We hope people visiting the exhibition enjoy the playful artwork, where the minuscule becomes monumental in plant cells containing the silhouettes of scientists who are doing the work of microscopic creatures. You can peek into papercut model theatre sets and underwater scenes and see chromosomes floating like guardian angels above the landscape. We will be continuing this playful approach at workshops and further exhibits throughout the year.”
This interactive exhibition will continue to grow throughout the year. Local community groups will have the chance to contribute their own microscope-inspired artwork, culminating in an outdoor trail launching in time for the summer holidays. In addition, visitors can engage directly with the artists during special events, including Gressenhall’s Earth Day celebrations on 11th April 2025.
Claudia West, Director, East of England Arts Council England, said: “Through the Microscope is a brilliant example of how art can inspire the public’s curiosity and engagement in science. By blending scientific research with creative expression, this exhibition offers a fascinating glimpse into the microscopic worlds that shape our lives. We are proud to support Edible East in bringing this unique project to Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, helping to connect communities in Norfolk with the science that underpins our environment and food systems.”
Don’t miss this opportunity to see Norfolk’s landscape in a whole new way – through the lens of a microscope! To find out more or get in touch with Edible East CIC directly, head to their website.
Edible East is also providing workshops and consultancy on community growing. Horticulturalist Nik Thomson is supporting the development of community gardening in Lakenham with The Feed’s Social Supermarket, supported by Norwich Consolidated Charities and has helped the community create the Burges Road Community Garden with MileXchange Green Hearts Project alongside Norfolk and Waveney MIND.
Through the Microscope has been supported with public money from the National Lottery through Arts Council England, The Friends of Gressenhall and Norfolk County Council Arts Projects Fund. Norwich Consolidated Charities are supporting co-creation of artwork for the next stage of the exhibition in partnership with The Feed’s Social Supermarket, Norwich.
Supported by FUSE Network
FUSE is pleased to have been supporting Edible East via our programme of workshops and events alongside 1:1 support for over a year now!
Jennie Pedley said: FUSE has offered us unique, tailored and enjoyable support to help us move forward with clarity to meet our environmental and social aims. Thanks FUSE!
If you’d like to see a spotlight on your social enterprise or you’d like to find out more about our support offer, simply email hello@fusenetwork.org.uk!