New creative project celebrating Ferguson's Gang

Discover a tentacle and take part in the new creative project

As part of a new creative project with the National Trust and Heritage Lottery Fund, tentacles have started appearing across the Cornish landscape. You can join in too. Simply download a tentacle below or get a limited edition print and share your images of your favourite Cornish places on Instagram using #FergusonsGang. We'll share our favourites for everyone to enjoy.

Have you spotted any tentacles around West Cornwall? These are thanks to a new art installation to celebrate the legacy that Ferguson’s Gang left to the people of Cornwall. Tentacles can be discovered at places that were endowed to the National Trust thanks to the Gang, including Mayon and Trevescan cliffs, near Land’s End and Frenchman’s Creek on the River Helford. 

The interventions have been created by designer Katie Cadwallader and hint at the curious story of the Gangs antics in Cornwall and highlight the enduring relevance of their conservation cause in the 21st Century. 

As part of the project, a limited edition tentacle print has been created for you to take away and share your images. Collect your own from Mayon Lookout, Sennen, Bottallack Mine and National Trust Welcome Centre Penzance or download below.

Download your own tentacle and share your images #FergusonsGang Download now

Designer Katie Cadwallader and her inspiration

The Ferguson’s Gang story and the role of these remarkable women is an important part of Cornwall’s history. To explore the legacy of the Ferguson’s Gang designer Katie Cadwallader developed a series of visuals inspired by Clough Williams-Ellis’s polemic England and the Octopus.

As a graduate of Falmouth University, and winner of various young designer awards, Katie is a leading voice for young women working in the design industries. Since joining Supple Studio her highlights include designing a set of Votes for Women stamps for the Royal Mail and a host of high-profile projects for Channel 4, University of the Arts London, Royal Institution, NSPCC and The Royal Mint.

In the Gang….Kestle Barton and Fouthland

In partnership with Kestle Barton: Rural Centre for Contemporary Arts, the National Trust is also delighted to be supporting artist collective Fourthland and students from Helston College to explore the story of the Ferguson’s Gang in a contemporary creative context.

Further Reading

Ferguson’s Gang, the Remarkable Story of the National Trust Gangsters by Polly Bagnall and Sally Beck. Published by Pavilion Books.

https://www.fergusonsgang.com/