This large-scale digital video and sonic installation centres around visits that were made to the First World War battlefields, museums and memorials of Northern France. Digital film and sound recordings were made which were edited and manipulated, both on site in France and also in the UK. An installation was created from this material, using large screen video projections and sonic interventions, to produce an event which utilised the cultural memorialisation of the First Word War in order to raise questions about the nature and form of remembrance. To date, the installation has been exhibited on three occasions.
The original installation took place on 11 November 2004 in Kendal Town Hall. This installation was then further developed specifically for exhibition in Accrington and East Lancashire by utilising archive footage of the Accrington Pals. It was exhibited in Accrington Town Hall from 30 June to 2 July 2006 to coincide with the 90th Anniversary of the first day of the Battle of the Somme on 1st July 1916.
Of all the volunteer Pals Battalions who took part in the First World War the name of the Accrington Pals has proven to be the most enduring and emotive. Through all the myths and legends now attached to the events of 1914-1918 the attack on Serre on 1st July 1916 has come to represent a powerful and enduring signifier for the First World War.
This installation material was reworked and a reduced scale version of the installation was exhibited in Accrington Public Library from 6 – 11 November 2006.
Artist involved: Chris Atkins, Trevor Avery
Supported by Arts Council of England (North West), South Lakes District Council and Hyndburn District Council.
