MARK-IT Trail
The MARK-IT is the name for our ongoing joint Market Art Project with Transported which aims to recall the town’s past as a market for all forms of livestock and produce, and the substantial contribution of the local area to the Nation’s food supply.
Market Heritage
Spalding has a long market tradition. It was one of just five Lincolnshire towns recorded to have a market in the Domesday book of 1086, and one of just fifty in England.
Our Vision
Our Market Art Project was launched in 2009. Discover our long term vision to celebrate the livestock markets that took place on the streets of Spalding.
Portrait of a Town
Joseph Hillier was commissioned by Transported and the Spalding and District Civic Society in 2016 to create a series of sculptures reflecting the people who together reflect the unique character of Spalding and its importance to the Nation’s food supply.
The Hiring
The Hiring Sculpture by Laury Dizengremel was inspired by the Hiring Fairs that took place in Spalding. Commissioned jointly by the Transported and ourselves, in 2017, supported by funding from the Arts Council as part of the Creative People & Places Programme.
Market Day
In 2025, sheep (albeit carved in stone), returned to the streets of Spalding. One of two commissions awarded to sculptor Graeme Mitcheson supported by grant funding from the UK Governments Shared Prosperity Fund.
Cattle Auction
In 2025, cattle also returned to the streets of Spalding. The sculptures of a bull and heifer by Graeme Mitcheson were modeled on two living Lincoln Red cattle. This commission was also supported by funding from the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund and generous donations.
Bakers Statue
In 2019, the Addo Food Group donated “The Bakers” statue that used to stand in front of the Spalding Bakery factory to the Society after the decision to close the site.
Legacy
The Commissions awarded in 2025 have resulted in a a greater legacy that we envisaged.
Future Commissions
We are hoping to award further commissions to complete our Spalding MARK-IT Trail as and when further funding is secured.
Supporters
Transported – and so Arts Council England
UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund
Spalding Town Forum
Paul Jackson
Previous SHDC Conservation Officers Liz Mayle, Julie-Ann Middleditch, Mark Simmonds
Ian Marshman (LCC Historic Environment Officer)
County and District Ward Members for the town centre Elizabeth Sneath (LCC; SHDC Heritage Champion)
Gary Taylor
Jack McLean
Coun. Nick Worth (LCC Arts Portfolio
and SHDC Town Centre Regeneration Portfolio)
Rt Hon Sir John Hayes MP
School Heads of Art
Spalding High School
Spalding Academy
Sally Harrison (former Manager South Holland Centre)
Nick Snooks (former Manager of Hill’s Department Store)
Boston College (Spalding Manager)
Council Member of Gentlemen’s Society (Heather Violett)
Rex Sly (local author and authority on the history of the fens)
Spalding Folk Club
MARK-IT is being delivered thanks to the efforts of volunteer members of the society from all walks of life who give up their time and the support of our project partners, Transported and the support of South Holland District Council. It is being funded by a combination of donations and external grant funding.
If you would like to support this ongoing project there are three ways of doing so.
Volunteer for us
The more who volunteer their time, the more we can do.
Make a donation
As a Registered Charity, we always welcome donations to the Society.
Join Us
This is the best way of supporting us, as you can then be kept up to date with what we are doing, and will be entitled to the benefits that membership of our Society brings.
If you have any suggestions for a community arts project in Spalding....
