55 Westgate Road, 2015
8'57" looped film, sound by Sam Grant
Limited edition risograph publication of 50, by Rosie Morris. printed by Deborah Bower and edited by Pam Morris, 2015.
This 12 page edition contains a continuous 5 page poem coupled with photographs taken on aged 35mm film in the former mansion house, assembly rooms and lodging house of 55/57 Westgate Road. An excerpt from the poem is printed below.
Dreamers, was compiled as part of the exhibition 55 Westgate Road // Dreamers, A site specific installation in the window of 55/57 Westgate Road, Newcastle, May 2015. The installation included an 8'57" looped film, 55 Westgate Road, with sound by Sam Grant and a copy of the publication displayed in the window.
Dreamers is available to purchase while copies remain. For more information please contact the artist.
Extract:
Imagine the ground is
Tipping slowly away
Below you
As you lie
And dream of a strata of memories,
Denser than the layered wall paper,
Chartering taste and fashion preferences for pinks,
Art Deco, baby chicks and bunny rabbits.
Light creeps along at a steady pace,
Offering the walls a moment’s respite from the cold,
In return for hugs, when they touch,
And envelop each other limb to limb.
Oscillating beyond this haven
Humdrum of City marks out a different pace of passing:
Bin men collect the glassware,
The taxi engine chugs, waiting impatiently for the green light,
Still ensembles of engines tick,
Passing traffic hits crescendo - pitch.
The coaches must have driven up outside,
An opulent, Baroque parade of entertainment:
Ladies with calling cards,
Frivolity and merry-making!
I can hear the string orchestra,
Perhaps the odd recital.
I run up and down the stairs for a while to get the blood flowing... (cont'd)