Ink on broken eggshells, 2021

Named after the pamphlet by Menasseh ben Israel defending Jews against accusations of blood libel, Vindiciæ Judæorum celebrates the readmission of the Jews into England in 1656 and Bevis Marks Synagogue’s 320 year history as the UK’s oldest still-living community. Comprising 32 broken eggshells mounted on paper, the imagery centres around the synagogue, Jewish ritual objects and practices, and other elements linked to the history of the Jewish community and their readmission.  

In the pamphlet, it states that Jews are not permitted to eat an egg in which even a single bloodspot is found. This was in answer to apparent concerns voiced by Oliver Cromwell that if he allowed Jews back into England, they would use the blood of Christian children for their ritual foods (an ancient accusation rooted in Mediaeval propaganda, which led to Jewish communities across Europe being scapegoated for unsolved murders). By drawing on eggshells, I reference this point whilst highlighting the fragility and precarious nature of readmission, and the understandable anxiety of the community as they first made their home here. Using natural elements also serves as a reminder of how delicately balanced natural systems are, and the knock-on impact something like diminished sunlight can have, even on man-made structures.

The work is currently on display at Bevis Marks Synagogue. It is intended to be viewed from all angles, where objects and architectural features that are taken from the synagogue building and the collection can be seen in situ.