Super Slow Way Linear Park Interventions — Things That Go On Things

Super Slow Way Linear Park Light Interventions

We were invited to create some light installations and interventions for Super Slow Way’s Linear Park project. The Linear Park project aims to highlight and reactivate a 23 mile stretch of canal from Blackburn to Pendle and we were given two sites to illuminate.

Artists Chris Plant and Daz Joyce joined us for two nights at Finsley Gate Wharf, Burnley, leading participants for a forage along the canal and introducing them to different methods of projection. Chris Plant utilises modified old-skool projectors and theatre lights to reveal the incredible detail in natural form - through the method of projection. The group experimented with projectors within the old Forge at Finsley Gate and then travelled along the canal at dusk to test projecting underneath the flyover of Burnley’s ring road. The juxtoposition of natural forms on the modernist concrete underpass worked really well and the vibrant colours of the participants’ own designs elevated the space to something inviting and fun.

We also worked with lighting artist Jonny Godsmark who focussed on the Aspen Colliery Coke Ovens at Church, Accrington. The cave like structures are known locally as the Fairy Caves and are thought of fondly by local residents. The incredible history of the caves is less well known however, so Jonny concentrated on reactivating the Coke Oven’s original use - using red and orange lights and smoke to give the impression of intense heat, dirt and industry. Over 2,000 people visited the installation over two nights.