 |
| Look
up, but don't look down |
Artists
Ewan Forster and Christopher Heighes set out to reveal the sights,
sounds and voices that have contributed to the make-up of this
imposing structure.
"Visitors
to the cathedral will have the opportunity to go through three
spaces which they don't usually see", explains Christopher
Heighes.
"One is the ringing chamber, which is a sort of circular
arena space where the bell ringers ring the bells.
 |
| Bell
rope chandelier |
"The
second space is a rather unusual one, which was designed to dampen
the sound so the poor bell ringers weren't deafened.
"The
last space is the monumental, double-cube space of the bell chamber
itself, where visitors will have the opportunity to get up close
to the massive set of bells - the biggest and heaviest in Europe."
Visitors
will be encouraged to pause between the two lift journeys prior
to the tower summit and investigate these cavernous chambers for
themselves.
 |
| A
wireless broadcasts voices from the past... |
Scores
of old-time wireless radios leak whispered conversations or crackling
piano recitals that linger amidst the giant struts and a staggering
clutch of bells - including Great George himself.
"We
have a maritime side with audio from a compass adjustor, who speaks
about the more practical side [of the building], " describes
Ewan Forster of just one of the many different conversations that
echo from the rafters.
 |
| Trans
Mittere installation |
"We're
trying to 'tune in' with our strange transmitter to all of these
different signals that help people to understand how this building
has come about."
On
the day that we ascended the tower the sun was at full force and
illuminated the walkways with shafts of piercing white light.
An
excited school group babbled about 'being at Hogwarts', entirely
oblivious of the vertiginous drops while their teachers clutched
the railings for dear life.
 |
| View
from the top of the bell tower |
Emerging
from the viewing platform Liverpool lay below like a quilted brick
blanket, the sounds of the exhibition dribbling upwards and out
toward the clouds.
The
voices, disembodied and drawn from the past century of those who
have lived, worked, preached and worshipped upon this site, float
somewhere between this world and the next.
Broadcasts
from the bell tower can be accessed on an AM frequency for the
duration of the transmission on 1413KHZ.
The
exhibition will run until the 10th of July.
Tower
open Mon-Sat, 11-5pm (last ticked 4.30), closed Sundays. Entrance
charge 拢3.50 adults, 拢1.50 concessions. For safety
reasons, it is closed in bad weather. To avoid disappointment,
please contact the Cathedral on the day of your visit: 0151 702
7217.
听
听
