08 January 2008, 09/04
Fairytale in Ormskirk as new exhibition is
launched!
Discover the ‘Fairytale of Burscough Bridge’, the latest
exciting exhibition to be unveiled at Ormskirk’s Chapel
Gallery.
From 17 January to 21 February visitors will be able to view the
award-winning transformation of Burscough town centre, which
celebrates the adventurous facelift of the West Lancashire village
through the eyes of the architects and designers.
Liverpool-based agencies BCA Landscape Architects and Smiling
Wolf Design Consultancy were chosen by West Lancashire District
Council to create an imaginative improvement scheme for Burscough
to give it a new lease of life. It involved the creation of a
series of new small-interlinked squares and pedestrian routes,
animated with bespoke furniture, paving, artworks, lighting,
signage and a village clock. Even the beautiful Grade II listed St
John the Baptist Church has been illuminated with a lighting scheme
that changes with the religious calendar.
It has been heralded as one of the most inventive regeneration
projects of recent years for enriching the village’s sense of
identity and embracing its colourful history and as a result
scooped two prestigious awards.
Now the designers have put together an exhibition that takes a
unique look at the work they carried out through a range of
visually engaging materials including photography and animation to
bring the characters of Lancashire folklore to life. The scheme
combines traditional techniques such as stonemasonry with
contemporary design, resulting in a celebration of the rich history
and cultural identity of the town.
Also showcasing alongside this exhibition is LACi’s New
Creators. The Lancashire Art & Craft Initiative (LACi) promotes
the work of some of the most exciting contemporary craft graduates
living or working in Lancashire. This particular craft exhibition
will tour venues across the region, exhibiting work at some of the
most prestigious Lancashire galleries and museums to showcase the
high quality art and design work of our graduates.
Exhibiting artists include Vanessa Butselaar, Amy Cook, Laura
Ferguson, Eryl Fryer, Joanne Guite, Rose Heritage, Nicola Karwat,
Rosalind Marsh, Sarah Morpeth, Rosie Simpson, Lainie Sless and
Pamela Stirling.
Cllr Geoff Hammond, Portfolio Holder for Community Services,
said: "The Fairytale of Burscough Bridge exhibition brings alive
this amazing project and gives a real insight into the interesting
history of the village. It celebrates the rich heritage, unique
character and traditional values and applauds the many characters
who make Burscough such a unique place. Together with the creative
craft showcase pieces from talented graduates from across
Lancashire it’s a diverse set of exhibitions that will thrill
visitors both young and old alike!"
The public can visit the Gallery, off St Helens Road, anytime
from 10am to 4.30pm, Tuesday to Saturday. The café is open from
10am to 4pm. Entrance is free.
For more details please contact the Gallery on 01695
571328, email chapelgallery@westlancsdc.gov.uk or
visit www.chapelgallery.org.uk
(external link).
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