An open invitation from the organisers
“You are all cordially invited to join us Thursday June 4th from 6 – 8pm at The Carriageworks, 2nd Floor Bar Area, Millennium Square, Leeds for the opening event in a series of interventions, works, exhibitions and walks throughout June centred around Tower Works in Holbeck. Refreshments will be provided, maps distributed, photographs displayed and opportunities to find out more about the projects offered. Info about the projects are below and the flyer is attached, hope to see you there…
Black Dogs – Tower Works: The Italian Connection
Throughout the month of June 2009, artist collective Black Dogs invite you to ponder over the curious history and origins of one of Leeds’ most eccentric landmarks, Tower Works in Holbeck. Maverick pin-maker Colonel Harding opened the site in 1864, choosing to give Leeds factory workers and residents a little taste of Italy by replicating three towering attractions from Florence, Verona and Tuscany. The Italianate towers of Holbeck have long been a striking contribution to Leeds’ skyline and we now invite you to celebrate,learn, and tell us your stories about Tower Works. Black Dogs will offer opportunities to do so in a series of exhibitions, installations and activities throughout June as follows:
Listen to the bells of the Florentine Campanile ring out across Holbeck as the Leeds version finally fulfils its bell-tower ambition. At three points each day the signature sound of Florence will be transported to Holbeck to help close the gap between these estranged tower twins.
View a selection of photographs and video bringing together The Giotto Tower and its original big brother in Florence. These will be displayed across two sites The Carriage Works on Millennium Square in Leeds CityCentre and The Midnight Bell pub opposite Tower Works in Holbeck (details of times and openings below).
Take part on guided walks around Holbeck and the City Centre that take in the viewpoints from which you can spy the Towers. The walks will offer the chance to learn about their exotic history and for you to tell us what you know! We want your stories, from the mundane to the bizarre,the factual to the fictitious; share your memories and thoughts about these often-overlooked beauties. Self-guided walks are also available by picking up a free map from the exhibitions or at various sites around Leeds (details below).
Sites and Dates for your Diary:
Thursday June 4th 6 – 8pm Opening event. All Welcome.The Carriageworks, 2nd Floor Bar Area, Millennium Square, Leeds.Exhibition including documentation and information about the Tower Works Site in South Leeds.
Monday June 15th – July 11th 11am – 11pm daily. Exhibition.The Midnight Bell (Upstairs restaurant) Water Lane, Holbeck, Leeds. Exhibition including documentation and information about the Tower Works Site in South Leeds.
Monday June 15th 6pm – 8pm Evening Guided Wal The Midnight Bell, Water Lane, Holbeck, Leeds.Guided walk, followed by performance by Stockpot Stopcock, complimentary refreshments and Italian snacks. Meet and finish at The Midnight Bell.
Saturday June 27th 1.00pm – 3.30pm. Afternoon Guided Walk. The Midnight Bell, Water Lane, Holbeck, Leeds. Guided walk, followed by performance by Stockpot Stopcock at 4.30pm. Meet and finish at The Midnight Bell.
From Thursday June 4th Campanile bell rings at 12pm, 5pm, 11pm.Tower Works, Holbeck, Leeds.Keep listening!
Booking for the walk events is preferred but not essential. Please email carmichael_ Yvonne@ yahoo.co. uk or ring Yvonne on 07815780179.
Self-guided walks are also available by picking up a free map from The Midnight Bell or The Carriageworks.
BlackDogs’ Tower Works interventions and projects are commissioned by MAAP and form part of the Yorkshire Forward regeneration of Tower Works.