Above: a close up of one of the panels - a metal printing block from the early twentieth century that was made for an architectural conference in Southampton.
Bargate Quarter Redevelopment
Southampton, UK
Landscape Architects: Macgregor Smith
Contractors: Midgard
This redevelopment of the former Bargate Shopping Centre will open up and showcase some of Southampton’s most significant historical assets. Kirsty was tasked with bringing art into the quarter to celebrate the areas history and provide a sense of belonging for the new structures.
This project represents the longest lead time the artist has experienced. Kirsty first started work with Macgregor Smith back in 2017. The artwork is part of a set and features the petition scroll which was started in 1899 when the authorities were planning to demolish the Bargate building (built in 1180). Another part of the scheme features large glass panels showing layered details of the walls, placed in the position where they were originally sited.
Kirsty collaborated with the city archaeologists and using the city’s and county’s archives researched Southampton’s medieval trading and manufacturing industries and its wonderful city walls.
Phase one is now open consisting of the old city walls, which were created from overlaid photographic composites of the medieval walls that still remain. When the larger screens and balustrades are installed as part of phase two they will showcase Southampton’s more recent history. The balustrades explore the shipping trade and imports and exports in the 15th and 16th centuries.
In total the works consist of two balustrades, six free standing screens and six polymond screens equating to nearly 48 square metres of glass. These have been produced using screenprinted enamel on two layers of glass including a white/etch layer that helps transmit the light upwards in the illuminated panels.
Glass Specification: 25mm laminated, toughened and heat-soak tested glass
Techniques used: Screenprinting; Transparent enamels; Etching; Back-lit
Below: the artists impression of some of the works in relation to the new buildings.
