The Art of Magic Vol.II - Apotropaic

Side I: Bridget Hayden & Mary Stark
Side II: Sam McLoughlin & David Chatton Barker

Live recordings from the Folklore Tapes evening at Bishop's House, Sheffield, 2024. Featuring 2x bespoke performances by Bridget & Mary and Sam & David.

- C-46 cassette, housed in hand-made (by Thorn Wych) wooden slip case with hand drawn pyrography apotropaic markings.
- A6 pamphlet with writing on apotopaic marks found in Bishops House by Paul Cross.
-D/L code

Bishops House, erected in 1554, was constructed from local Derbyshire timber during the short, turbulent reign of Mary Tudor (Bloody Mary); a time of superstition, unease and fear.

If you look hard, you will discover a hidden history, scratched and burned into the timber beams of the house. It tells us about fear of the unknown and superstition; seeking to protect against witches and demons. These were secret practices to protect the house and its incumbents against witchcraft and other threats; a practice more prevalent than often realised.

Excerpt by Paul Cross