As part of the celebration to mark the 450th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth I’s 19-day visit to Kenilworth Castle, a new art installation by acclaimed contemporary artist, Lindsey Mendick, was commissioned to go on display the Great Hall until November 2nd 2025.
The installation explores a new perspective on Queen Elizabeth I’s relationship with her courtier and long-term suitor Robert Dudley, and her strategies for maintaining authority from the epicentre of a Tudor power struggle.
The beautiful chess sets have been central to engagement with the artwork and the local community, encouraging people to learn and play with the help of local chess Master Paul Lam, and creating a long-lasting legacy beyond the lifespan of the installation. Two of Paul’s students, Katya and Jude, both locally based junior champions, helped bring the game to life for other young people.
Over the summer, young people from Positive Youth Foundation explored the installation and the game of chess, working with Paul on and off site to learn more about how to play. The game of strategy and decision-making mirrors problems Queen Elizabeth I had throughout her rein, when threats came from different directions and every move was scrutinised.
Groups included ‘newly arrived’ young people, participants from the ‘Summer Boost’ programme who are preparing for the coming school year, and local young women who discussed the life of Queen Elizabeth I, recognising the difficulties she faced in her struggle for independence in her lifetime.
“Women’s histories have often been written by those in power, by those they threaten and by those who need their tale to be a cautionary one. For the artwork at Kenilworth, I will re-examine the events of Elizabeth’s 19 day visit, from the perspective of a female gaze,” – Lindsey Mendick.
The visit by Queen Elizabeth I to Kenilworth Castle, and the themes referenced by Lindsey provided the inspiration for young dancers and choreographers, working as part of the National Youth Ballet ‘All In!’ company. The group worked together to develop a new, contemporary piece of dance which was filmed on site and we look forward to sharing it very soon!
Young Producers learned about the artwork and interpretation decisions behind the sometimes challenging display. The group met online and in-person at the site to explore the installation and learn more about chess from Paul Lam. Young Producer Haoyue has written about their response to the artwork in their blog, here. In addition, the audio guide, narrated by the artist, can be accessed here and the inspiration and process artist Lindsey Mendick undertook can be seen in the short film below.