Celebrating and artistic journey through the evolving image of the mill, from past to present
Created by Nyah Addicott
Since the dawn of civilization, humans have continually invented innovative methods to transform nature into nourishment. From primitive milling stones to the modern roller mill, this evolution not only shaped societies but also inspired artistic reflection. Across centuries, artists have captured the mill’s form and function – as symbol, structure, and scene – preserving its presence in everything from illuminated manuscripts to modernist landscapes. This exhibition traces that visual journey, revealing how the mill has served not only as a tool of sustenance, but as a muse for creativity.
Click on the image below to view the exhibition!
Drawing the Wind
Karl Wood (1888-1958) was an artist and teacher who travelled Great Britain on a bicycle, with the goal of painting pictures of all the windmills in the country. His aspiration was to publish a book, ‘The Twilight of the Mills’, but he unfortunately never completed his quest. This section of the exhibition will walk you through his journey, using guided tour maps, highlighting the incredible adventure of his life.
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About the creator
Nyah Addicott is a student at the University of Reading, studying art and psychology. She was an intern at the Mills Archive Trust in the summer of 2025 with the support of the Millers’ Mutual Association. Her task for the internship was to create a digital exhibition which told a story of mills, millers, and milling. Along with creating the exhibition, Nyah made a book. The book contains the majority of the media in the digital exhibition.