Posted: Mon 15 Jul, 2013 8:42 pm
http://www.leeds.gov.uk/News/Pages/Spec ... pectacular clockface projection set to transform Leeds Civic HallA large-scale projection is to transform the entire façade of Leeds Civic Hall into a vast, animated mechanical clock later this year. Commissioned by Leeds Inspired, ‘Momentous’ builds on the rich history of renowned Leeds clockmaker William Potts and will take place from October 3-5 2013, forming a centrepiece of the city’s ‘Light Night’ celebrations on Friday 4 October.‘Momentous’ takes its inspiration from Potts clocks, some of which feature clockwork people. They were designed to capture the attention of the public and create a shared moment when they chimed the time, on the hour and each quarter hour.The Civic Hall projection will be created by Illuminos artists Matt and Rob Vale. They will create a huge version of these automaton clocks, bringing the building to life. They will use video footage and photographs of Leeds people going about their daily lives to transform the clock face every 15 minutes.‘Momentous’ will colourfully animate the Civic Hall. The architecture, windows and columns will form elements of the clock, with cogs, levers and pulleys whirring and rising. In front of the building, on Millennium Square, will sit a large-scale winding mechanism. The public will be invited to wind the handle and the weights and balances on the building will respond, rising upward in preparation for the quarter hour chime. Leeds Inspired are calling on the people of Leeds to get involved to help create this imaginative new artwork. The artists will be filming at pop-up locations across the city throughout the summer. To register interest in being filmed for this large scale projection, either as a group or individual, please email [email protected]‘Momentous’ will see the artists, who also are brothers, return to Leeds where each of them studied: Rob Vale has an MA in Contemporary Fine Art and a BA in Fine Art from Leeds Metropolitan University; Matt Vale attained his Music BA from Bretton Hall, University of Leeds. Nominated in 2010 for the Northern Art Prize, Illuminos specialise in creating dramatic artworks in vastly diverse spaces, from ancient water towers to stately homes, contemporary buildings to war bunkers. Leeds City Council executive member for leisure and skills Councillor Adam Ogilvie said: “I am looking forward very much to seeing Rob and Matt’s vision come to life in this ambitious, magical artwork which takes as its inspiration a fantastic piece of Leeds’ industrial history. ‘Momentous’ is also a fun way for people to share a one-off experience. Participants who are filmed this summer will be able to spot themselves within the ‘clock’ in October; whilst others can enjoy winding up the clock in person on the night. A modern take on the public event, ‘Momentous’ will be a very special shared moment.” Leeds Inspired is part of the city’s cultural programme that celebrates arts and heritage events throughout the year, supporting high quality, accessible cultural experiences for Leeds’ residents and visitors. Founded in 2012, Leeds Inspired supports culture in the city through grants schemes, commissions and a ‘What’s On’ events website and, in its first year, has funded over fifty projects and events including art on canal boats, a children’s ballet, an up-cycled fashion show and a human cuckoo clock. Leeds Inspired is part of Leeds City Council.