Contemplating Hope: Four years on

Inspired by the hopes, reflections and ambitions that Emily and Anne Brontë recorded in their diary papers, artist Layla Khoo was commissioned by the Museum in 2021 to create a new installation. 

Layla’s Contemplating Hope was the result, where she created a ceramic vessel for each month of the year, filled with reflections and hopes of visitors at the time. Four years on, we’re smashing open a vessel each month to reveal what’s inside… 

If you remember completing one of these entries, we'd love to hear from you! Please email [email protected] with the subject line 'Contemplating Hope'.

A brown piece of paper with handwriting and a sketch of two women sat at a table writing.
Emily's diary paper Credit: Bevan Cockerill Photography

Here are some of the contributions, all taken from different entries

 

What is taking place in your life at this moment in time?

This moment is exactly what I've been seeking... to be fully present in the moment, to disengage from phones and begin a journaling habit.

I'm finishing my last year of uni and am about to go celebrate by going on holiday with friends.

Holiday after isolation since March 2020. First time away, had both vaccinations.

 

What do you hope for over the next four years?

That our 'new normal' will be a GREAT improvement on pre-pandemic times. Let us not lose the sense of caring, community and compassion.

To graduate uni, I suppose, but more importantly, to live somewhere where I can put a fresh jar of flowers on the kitchen table every week, and afford food everyday.

I hope to have more fun.