Casuals
Salford Quays
I’ve passed by these installations so many times down at the Quays and never given them a moment’s notice or been inspired to shoot them. Mainly because I haven’t a clue what they are or what they represent. I haven’t even bothered to read the inscriptions around each person’s porthole. But having shot everything else to death here thought I’d grab a few frames. Still didn’t know what they are about and the guy extreme left reminded me of Albert Tatlock and the guy third in from the right – a not too dissimilar Alan Turing such was the level of my inquisitiveness.
But like the skyhooks in my previous posting a little digging around and all is revealed….
These steel plates form part of a community engagement project called “Unlocking Salford Quays” which was supported by The Heritage Lottery Fund. Delivered by The Lowry in 2010 in celebration of its 10th anniversary, the project brought together local communities, artists, performers, writers and historians to explore the rich heritage of the former Salford Docks.
Working closely with five leading artists, groups from Salford helped to create a permanent sculpture trail around The Quays, animating the area’s rich industrial and social history for future generations. The material gathered and stories shared informed ideas behind the trail artworks and a series of exciting public events.
This particular installation is called “Casuals” and was created by the artist Stephen Broadbent with former Salford Dock workers and their families.
Each metal structure in this installation represents a dock workers union card. They are arranged in separate groups emphasising the divide between those in and out of work. Dockers needed a union card to qualify for work. Labour was on a casual basis, and men gathered at the Dock gates every morning and afternoon to compete for jobs. Those chosen on merit were selected like cattle for their strength, coordination and speed. The rest returned home disappointed, without a wage. A number of former dockers and their families gave interviews for this project. Some of their names and photographs feature on the cards.
In hindsight, I think I’ve captured the rejected on the left and the chosen on the right. It makes a lot of sense now and maybe I’ll try for a better composition next time knowing the background story.
Casuals
Salford Quays
I’ve passed by these installations so many times down at the Quays and never given them a moment’s notice or been inspired to shoot them. Mainly because I haven’t a clue what they are or what they represent. I haven’t even bothered to read the inscriptions around each person’s porthole. But having shot everything else to death here thought I’d grab a few frames. Still didn’t know what they are about and the guy extreme left reminded me of Albert Tatlock and the guy third in from the right – a not too dissimilar Alan Turing such was the level of my inquisitiveness.
But like the skyhooks in my previous posting a little digging around and all is revealed….
These steel plates form part of a community engagement project called “Unlocking Salford Quays” which was supported by The Heritage Lottery Fund. Delivered by The Lowry in 2010 in celebration of its 10th anniversary, the project brought together local communities, artists, performers, writers and historians to explore the rich heritage of the former Salford Docks.
Working closely with five leading artists, groups from Salford helped to create a permanent sculpture trail around The Quays, animating the area’s rich industrial and social history for future generations. The material gathered and stories shared informed ideas behind the trail artworks and a series of exciting public events.
This particular installation is called “Casuals” and was created by the artist Stephen Broadbent with former Salford Dock workers and their families.
Each metal structure in this installation represents a dock workers union card. They are arranged in separate groups emphasising the divide between those in and out of work. Dockers needed a union card to qualify for work. Labour was on a casual basis, and men gathered at the Dock gates every morning and afternoon to compete for jobs. Those chosen on merit were selected like cattle for their strength, coordination and speed. The rest returned home disappointed, without a wage. A number of former dockers and their families gave interviews for this project. Some of their names and photographs feature on the cards.
In hindsight, I think I’ve captured the rejected on the left and the chosen on the right. It makes a lot of sense now and maybe I’ll try for a better composition next time knowing the background story.