Like the Back of My Hand

In 2000 Strange Cargo created the first new public artwork for Folkestone since the War Memorial. To celebrate the new millennium, 101 people were sought; 100 were each born in separate years of the previous century and the final hand was the first baby born in Shepway district in the year 2000.

The hand print of each person was cast in bronze and biographies and photographs were taken, along with a recording of each participant speaking the year of their birth.

Initially exhibited in Strange Cargo’s Georges House Gallery, the artwork progressed to become a permanent installation in 2004 in the previously dilapidated approach to Folkestone Central Railway Station.

Like the Back of My Hand animates a much used public space, creates an iconic gateway to the town and has become a memorial for those who are no longer with us.

In 2005 Like the Back of My Hand won the prestigious Rouse Kent Public Art Award presented by Stephen Deuchar, who was at the time, Director of Tate Britain.

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