SMUGGLING FLAG

This flag was commissioned by Art in Romney Marsh 2019, an exhibition in several medieval churches on the Marshes. I was looking at these churches’ historical importance for smuggling activities. The reclaimed land of the Romney Marshes was a hotspot for smuggling with France. Goods like tobacco, silk, fine lace, leather gloves and brandy would get smuggled into England while mainly wool but also graphite and tin would have been smuggled out. Smugglers used to hide their goods in the churches and churchyards.

The big Smuggling Flag I made for AiRM aims to merge the sacred with the profane by using symbols representing smuggled goods like wool, cigarettes and alcohol. The reference to the big church window in the back is less obvious as its shape is turned upside down. Storing Smuggler’s ware in churches is a bit like turning sacred space upside down. The colours and patterns of the flag are hinting at stained glass windows, which have been lost in this particular church.

Smuggling Flag measures 500 x 260 cm and can be hung outdoors or inside. 2019. Made from MOD approved flag fabric.
£6,300. If you would like to buy this piece please get in touch.

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