Flaxmill Voices – an Evening of Illuminations and Recording with artist Andy McKeown
We’ll be open late on Friday the 9th of February providing light refreshments for anyone passing by and for those visiting Andy McKeown illuminations - it’s also the perfect opportunity to take part in Andy’s upcoming art piece 2000 voices.
Quoted from Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings:
See Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings in a different light as artist Andy McKeown hosts a free evening of illuminations and recording.
Andy will be providing an alternative view of the site as he projects his art against the sides of the buildings. You will also have the opportunity to take part in a piece of community art. Read aloud a name of one of the 800 people who used to work at the flaxmill. Recordings of the mill worker’s names will form part of Flaxmill Voices, a unique exhibition to be installed onsite later in the year.
4pm to 7pm – Recording of millworkers names.
From dusk around 5pm to 7pm – Projection of Andy McKeown’s ‘Minutiae’ art series onto the Flaxmill buildings
4pm to 7pm – Turned Wood Café serving a light menu and drinks
5pm to 7pm – Mill exhibition open free of charge.
Event Free, no need to book tickets
Andy’s projection will feature some of Andy’s work from his ‘Minutiae’ series over a decade ago, before the site was restored in a £28million project, which included £20.7million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The differences between the site then, in a state of abandonment and dilapidation, to now are pronounced.
Shrewsbury-based McKeown said:
“The opening of the Flax Mill in 1797 led to rapid growth of the surrounding area to keep up with the need for labour, creating communities that survive to this day. This is your chance to find your voice in understanding the contribution and toil of the great number of people, many of them children, in making linen thread at this architecturally important place for almost 90 years.”
The restored Main Mill and Kiln at dusk. Copyright: Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios