Project Title MILL ROAD, IRON WORKS PUBLIC ART COMMISSION
Client CAMBRIDGE INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP
Location IRON WORKS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT, MILL ROAD CAMBRIDGE
Medium various
Date 2019-2022
Size various

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.


As part of the Iron Works, Mill Road Cambridge project, Tom held an event at  the Cambridge Museum of Technology. Working with a local Muslim community group, the session explored type and font in the museum’s Victorian print workshop. Printing onto origami switches made by the participants was a great way to showcase the current concept for the public art project. There were other events for the collaborative out-reach strategy, including interactive creative workshops involving all the project artists and local historians, held at a local craft brewery’s yard. Local councilors, project stakeholders and local community groups participated in the free drop-in event. More information about can be found HERE

For information about the wider strategy and ambitions of the scheme please visit the main project website: www.resonance-cambridge.co.uk

 


The project is being commissioned to enrich the new development and enhance the public space provided through the scheme. The focus for the artwork is to be the shared communal spaces and clear, legible routes through the development.

As the appointed artist Tom developed a series of artworks to enhance the setting for the new residential development on the former depot site, referencing the distinctive context of Mill Road.

For information about the wider strategy and ambitions of the scheme please visit the main project website:

www.resonance-cambridge.co.uk

Photography credits: Tom Pearman and Douglas Atfiled  – Resonance-Cambridge – the public art programme for Cambridge Investment Partnership.