-->
The Queens Visit; Sound
Installation
My work commemorates the industrial sounds of
the 1800s when the Industrial Revolution spread throughout Britain and the whole country
was buzzing with sounds that now lie lost and forgotten. It was a Century of
pioneers and opportunity, which Salford embraced and was rewarded by a
magnificent Royal Honour. Through audio and visualisation the viewer is invited to envision and
resurrect this historic moment in time.
Much has changed in Salford since
1800s but one thing remains, the city’s proud stretch of the Bridgewater Canal,
which revolutionised the
transportation of goods. My aim is to take you on a journey of discovery
through my reinterpretation
of the lost sounds of the canal. Today the canal is tranquil and little
indication remains of its remarkable industrial status. Except by a handful of hidden
clues which lie in wait to be discovered, one of which is the weathered symbols
carved into the numerous stone bricks by the master stonemasons of the time, and
is the only remaining evidence of the
original stone aqueduct, demolished in the late 1890s.
The viewer’s participation
and interaction underlines my piece because this enables the listener
to fully emerge him or herself into history and add to the glorious celebrations
by adding a layer of sound to the story. Additionally I also wanted to create a
piece of artwork that has a dual purpose, not only to contribute to the
atmosphere but also an audio visual souvenir of the event for the present day
audience, like the spectators in 1851.
