Members of the public are being invited to be a part of a new large scale projection which will transform the entire façade of Leeds Civic Hall into a vast, animated mechanical clock. Commissioned by Leeds Inspired, ‘Momentous’ builds on the rich history of renowned Leeds clockmaker William Potts and will take place from 3rd – 5th October 2013, forming a centrepiece of the city’s ‘Light Night’ celebrations on 4th October.
‘Momentous’ takes its inspiration from Potts clocks, which 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, and will be created by Illuminos artists Matt and Rob Vale.
Leeds Inspired is calling on the people of Leeds to get involved to help create this imaginative new artwork by allowing themselves to be filmed and photographed going about their daily lives. The footage will then be transformed into clockwork people featured in the projection which will change every 15 minutes. The artists have now confirmed the first filming dates at pop-up locations across the city throughout the summer:
- 6 July – Seacroft – Seacroft Gala
- 7 July – City Centre – Sky Ride
- 13 July – Kirkstall – Kirkstall Festival
- 19 July – City Centre – Trinity Shopping centre
People can also register their interest in being filmed for this large scale projection, either as a group or individual, by emailing hello@leedsinspired.co.uk.
The architecture, windows and columns of the Civic Hall 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.
‘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 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.