public art Archives - Blackpool Social Club

19 May

Photo Essay: Blackpool’s public art

David Simper0 CommentsVisual Arts & Exhibitionsblack and white photography, film photography, public art, street photography

Always keen for a themed photo project, David Simper, took his twin lens reflex film camera down to the town centre to see what he could make of Blackpool's public art collection. Even among local people, Blackpool might not project as a centre for public art, but there's more than you might think and plenty to occupy a twelve frame film on a bright morning. I caught the service 3 bus and disembarked at Church Street outside the school, to start the exercise with the Fancie Bench in Kings Square outside Stanley Buildings. From there to St John's Square and…

30 Nov

Gallery: Blackpool on 120 film

David Simper0 CommentsVisual Arts & ExhibitionsBlackpool, call of the sea, comedy carpet, film photography, hive arts collective, medium format photography, public art, tea amantes blackpool, the hive blackpool

I had a number of reasons for this little trip to town on 12th November. Dropping into the Hive Arts Collective gathering, joining the Tea Amantes tea room and gallery team for its first birthday celebration and shooting a roll of 120 film, because I like to do that. For a change, these all came to pass and it was a thoroughly nice time, and I got some decent photos. There was a good gathering at The Hive for the gathering. Discussion surrounded the approaching Christmas events and of course local arts stuff in general. The Hive cafe provided the…

23 Dec

Blackpool tram stops get HIVEJacked for Christmas

Stephanie Cottle0 CommentsVisual Arts & ExhibitionsArt, Exhibition, public art

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] In and around our everyday spaces we are used to seeing signs and notices, especially around the areas that adhere to strict scheduling and codes of practice. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Some signs inform us of things to come – the time the next bus is due, the days the shops will not be open. Others try to sell us things, like the new BigMac with 17 burger patties or the shiny Land Rover that wouldn’t even fit on your street. Last but not least, are the signs that impose on us the rules of the space we currently occupy - don’t walk…

06 Nov

New benches celebrate Blackpool’s tram heritage

Blackpool Social Club0 CommentsLocal NewsBlackpool, public art, street furniture, trams, transport

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Two new benches inspired by Blackpool’s Heritage Trams have been installed in the town centre. Artist Andy Hazell came up with the 'tram-azing' designs for the stainless steel benches after a visit to Blackpool Transport’s Rigby Road depot. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Taking inspiration from Blackpool’s rich tram heritage, Andy created four unique designs for the new benches. Two of these have now been installed in Talbot Square. Made from stainless steel, the benches depict a Blackpool ‘OMO’ built in the mid-1930s and the ‘Brush’ built originally in 1937. The final two benches will be installed once the new Tram Terminal Interchange has been built…