This research funded residency explored the under-acknowledged yet persistent seaside amusement arcade culture of Cornwall, in particular, the sites of St. Ives, Newquay and Penzance. I worked with fieldnotes, photography, sound recording and found object collecting. The residency culminated in a two week solo show entitled ‘Coin Operated: Seaside Amusement Arcades’ that brought together and juxtaposed photography, sound, writing and collected objects from seaside resorts in Cornwall and the North West of the UK, in the Fish Factory gallery space.
Location
Fish Factory Studios & Gallery, Cornwall
Year
2019
This research funded residency was based in the heart of Blackpool. The primary focus for this site specific residency was collecting sound recordings and material residue from Blackpool’s arcades and seafront amusements. There was also opportunity for conversations with local artists and arcade workers on the visual and sound cultures of Blackpool seafront, and a visit to Blackpool’s Lightwork Factory (The Blackpool Illumination’s workshop) for a tour and primary photo research, which I will be referring to in an up and coming chapter on light and dark and atmospheres in Blackpool. A selection of these arcade sound recordings were developed as soundwalk-works and selected for exhibition at a-n Assembly’s 2021 annual conference.
Location: Abingdon Studios & Gallery , Blackpool
Year: 2021
