In The Picture
The piece takes the form of a carved picture frame, framing a view along the valley. In the picture several carvings are placed along the footpath.
The size of the frame is 4.8m high by 6m wide, and the footpath runs through it allowing the visitor to step into the ‘picture’ as both the viewer and subject of the piece. The work comes alive through their participation, and encourages the active engagement of the viewer.
The traditional moulded frame refers to landscape painting during the 18th and 19th century which was often used as a display of ownership by the landed gentry.Here, on a public footpath, we all have physical access and a notional ‘ownership’. This ownership entails responsibilities for this landscape and the natural world in general, we are
‘In the Picture’.
The separate carvings in the view are half submerged in the timber, as though uncovered through an archaeological process, they relate to the industry in the valley and to the riot which occurred at Chatterton in 1826, during which 3 people were shot. The workers were protesting the introduction of powered looms which they feared would cause them to lose their jobs.The pieces include broken twisted drive cogs; a shattered pulley and drive-belt emerging from the log and laying slack; a half submerged sledge hammer from the rebellion. In the distance, a vertical piece has a deep blue groove snaking it’s way to the ground, this is the river symbolising the passing of time and referring to the importance of the River Irwell as the artery linking urban, rural and industrial cultures of the area.