the dervorguilla street shrines project is a temporary art project which explores a series of personal layered narratives centred around beliefs or strongly felt values the community hold dear. inspired by the tale of Devorguilla Balliol and her personal shrine to her dearly missed husband John, the decency with which she treated people and her determination to provide a free education for all.
In the east of the county lies Sweetheart Abbey, founded in 1273 by Devorguilla Balliol, mother of King John Balliol. When her husband John died in 1268, Devorguilla had his heart embalmed and placed in an ivory shrine, and she used to eat her meals in its company, giving its share of every dish to the poor. She also had the rather grisly habit of carrying the heart around with her in a casket, and thus her Abbey got its name.
one of three artists projects that has been commissioned by the stove group for Inbetween:Dumfries 5-11th November 2012 in Dumfries an event made up of a series of specially commissioned creative projects presented in the public spaces of Dumfries. there will also be a two-day discussion programme presented by intersections a public art group http://www.intersectionspublicart.org.uk/ focussing on the role of culture in the development of small market towns.)
dervorguilla street shrines 