Prism Dancer
by Peter Freeman |
Prism Dancer - Peter Freeman
Staffordshire Arts and Museum Service commissioned Peter Freeman to create a suspended interactive light sculpture for the central ceiling rose in the Great Hall of the Shire Hall Gallery:
"My approach has been to try and envisage a suspended interactive light sculpture that would have a strong visual presence during the day and fill the space with soft coloured light at night to give the building a vibrant contemporary appearance. The chandelier uses the idea of Red, Green and Blue neon colour mixing to create dynamic colour interactivity. |
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Prism Dancer
by Peter Freeman |
A motion sensor built into the chandelier triggers a colour sequence every time someone walks below the sculpture sending ripples of colour around the sculpture. If a lot of people pass under the sculpture or someone dances below the sculpture there will a continuous wave of animated colour.
The sculpture has been created using neon and painted steel, the triangles will act as diffusers and reflectors mixing and spreading the colours. During the day people will be most aware of the individual coloured tubes but at night the mixed colours will fill the space." Peter Freeman
Peter Freeman's work was partially funded through the Arts Council England, West Midlands 'Grants for the Arts' scheme.
The interactive chandelier can be seen at the Shire Hall Gallery, Stafford. www.peterfreeman.co.uk
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Luminary Essence
by Rachel Ray |
Luminary Essence - Rachel RayStaffordshire Arts and Museum Service commissioned Rachel Ray to produce a digital video projection for the façade of the Shire Hall Gallery. Using the architecture and the location of the Shire Hall Gallery as her influence Rachel has created new work that is sympathetic to its environment:
"I have been inspired to produce this commission from a standpoint of how natural light sources and colour therapies can enhance and indeed create environments. Taking into consideration the external setting and ambience of the season for this commission, I have taken my inspiration from the power that light sources have, especially when our daylight hours are less in winter, and our draw is to be around areas of light that may lift our spirits and mood. |
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Luminary Essence
by Rachel Ray |
The Drawing with Light commission is one that, by its nature of a public external space required me to consider, the impact of the work to all who passed through this space. Therefore it is desired that those who 'experience' the piece are encouraged to think about the impact of the many uses of light for our enjoyment and well-being as well as for its obvious practical purpose." Rachel Ray
The projection was shown on the front of the Shire Hall Gallery during the 'Drawing with Light' exhibition, 18 November to 7 January 2007.
Rachel Ray's work was partially funded through the Arts Council England, West Midlands 'Grants for the Arts' scheme. |
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'I know why a caged
bird sings' by Jim Bond |
'I know why the caged bird sings' - Jim Bond
Staffordshire Arts and Museums Service commissioned Jim Bond to create this new coin-operated mechanical sculpture. Using the Shire Hall as his influence Jim has created this sculpture titled 'I know why the caged bird sings'.
When Jim Bond visited the Gallery he was fascinated by the old courtroom:
"What most struck me was seeing the small Holding cell beneath, where the accused would sit and contemplate his fate, restrained by the bars of the cell. |
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'I know why a caged
bird sings' by Jim Bond |
'I know why the caged bird sings' shows a figure whose rib cage contains a small bird, which sings plaintively and represents the fluttering heart and the butterflies in the stomach of the man who awaits his fate and dreams of freedom. The title comes from Maya Angelou's book of the same name." Jim Bond
The sculpture has been constructed using mild steel, bronze, motors and electrical parts. When activated the sculpture will react, using sound, movement and lighting to bring the work life.
The sculpture is on permanent display at the Shire Hall Gallery.
Click on the link below to see Jim Bond talking about his work, practice and the commission for the Shire Hall Gallery
Jim Bond video
www.jimbond.co.uk |
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Shire Hall Gallery Reception Desk, Tony McMullen |
Shire Hall Gallery Reception AreaThe reception desk at the Shire Hall Gallery is a one off special commission advertised nationally during 2005. We had a huge response to the original brief and went through a rigorous short listing and selection process. The main aim was to open up the Gallery reception area and to make it more welcoming and inviting to visitors. The commission was awarded to Tony McMullen an experienced and highly skilled cabinet maker from Shropshire. The desk is totally hand made from maple and walnut and took in the region of 300 hours to construct. |
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Shire Hall Gallery Reception Desk, Tony McMullen |
The chairs in the new reception area have been specially commissioned from Gordon Russell Limited. Their furniture is created with a combination of cutting edge British design and craftsman build quality. The 'Leo' chair has been designed by David Rowe who is a specialist in ergonomic design. The chairs have been made in maple and natural hide to complement the new reception desk. We are fortunate in having been able to have a special one-off and fully adjustable chair designed for Gallery reception. |