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.
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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
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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:
Photography credits: Tom Pearman and Douglas Atfiled – Resonance-Cambridge – the public art programme for Cambridge Investment Partnership.
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The sculpture is part of a series celebrating The Eagle Foundry where in the 1850’s under the partnership of Headly & Manning, a wide variety of steam powered machinery and engines were manufactured including engine boilers, gasometers and pumps for use on the land or for drainage. The artwork has been positioned on an expansion joint of the elevation and plays with a lever’s open or close position.
‘STEAM LEVER’ can be viewed HERE
A series of paving and three stools celebrating the Cambridge designed PYE TELEVISION 1937 – A 5- inch Pye television receiver was priced at 21 guineas and within two years the company had sold 2000 sets at an average price of £34. 1949 Pye claimed to be ‘The largest TV manufacturer in Britain’.
‘TV STOOLS’ artworks can be viewed HERE
‘SOCIAL HOUSING DOMESTIC SWITCHES’ Is part of a series of artworks by Tom positioned strategically throughout the development.
‘SOCIAL HOUSING DOMESTIC SWITCHES’ can be viewed 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’.
‘STEREOSCAN’ can be viewed HERE
‘COMMUNICATIONS’ – In February 1944, The Cambridge company, Pye formed a subsidiary called Pye Telecommunications Ltd, The company grew to become the leading UK producer of mobile radio equipment for commercial, business, industrial, police and government purposes. The series of artworks are positioned above the main entrance of the new community Centre for the housing development.
‘COMMUNICATIONS’ can be viewed HERE
The sculpture, ‘TRAIN SIGNALS’ is part of a series celebrating The Eagle Foundry where in the 1850’s under the partnership of Headly & Manning. The site had a direct train route for import and export and is part of the GER Main Line railway route, parallel to the development which provides a local transport network for the development and the wider area.
‘TRAIN SIGNALS’ can be viewed HERE