Tom  investigated residential, commercial and industrial switches as part of his research into the former and present communities and occupations in Petersfield. Initially inspired by the objects on display at the Cambridge Museum of Technology, from electrical engineering to the switch that turns on our kettle! This ubiquitous, yet often overlooked, everyday item conveys much about the people who used the items and the period in which it was created.

A switch label, as simple as it may sound, enables us to identify the correct switch to flick, switch, or turn. Introducing this element to the artworks enables machines or appliances to be showcased in colourful and graphic style. And at the same time, can identify and showcase a wide variety of components and instruments that have a relationship with the housing development’s locality and residents, past and present.

‘STEREOSCAN’  Is part of a series of artworks by Tom positioned strategically  throughout the development. The complete series can be viewed HERE

Pictured here: STEREOSCAN – The Stereoscan was the first commercial scanning electron microscope in the world. It could magnify up to around 100,000 times. It was developed at the University of Cambridge’s Engineering department in 1965. It was named ‘one of the 100 most significant new technical products of the year’.

There has also been a collaborative outreach strategy for the project and more information can be found HERE

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