15 Nov 2014

Taking a step aside to evaluate this past year; it’s been a challenge…

For now, and through December, I’m in Taipei as resident artist with Taipei Contemporary Art Center, learning from the pro-democracy protests and 24-day student occupation of Taiwan’s parliament that took place over March-April 2014.

While I’m away, The Salford Wall is still open by arrangement – by the amazing generosity of Vin Dugdale.  I wouldn’t have got through autumn without Vinny’s help- words can’t express how indebted I am.  I know it’s getting towards Christmas and I’ve heard it’s snowed but if anyone fancies lending a hand, get in touch with Vin (07814 902 372) – though check the City fixtures first 😉

Vin with his Haçienda membership card, 22 Oct 2014

Carl from Galliford Try laying out the facade stones in between runs for Vimto Gardens, 22 Oct

Clockwise from top left: Haçienda, Haçienda exterior, Battle of Bexley Square 1931, Old Bank Theatre (built as Royal Liver Friendly Society’s Salford branch 1930). Photos: (except Theatre) from the internet

Salford Museum’s LifeTimes Link Winter Issue is out, featuring The Salford Wall.  It describes the economic devastation of 1930 in which the building came to be – a devastation deepened for the working class by the policies of National Government.  It was borne of the same conditions giving rise to 1931’s Battle of Bexley Square.  Amidst an atmosphere of degradation, with suicide the frequent result, the building erected by Royal Liver Friendly Society at 301 Chapel Street was a defiant demonstration, constructed by the strength of a popular and indomitable will.  It was a physical and financial structure built by a Northern working class, empowered by an ethos based on mutual care and support.  This is the history embedded in The Salford Wall – it is a strength and spirit hoped to be resurrected as it is rebuilt.

INDUSTRIAL ACTION // RE-BUILDING // OPEN POSSIBILITY

14 Jan 2014

24 Apr // 16 Nov 2014

Jeff, Sasha, Vin, Liam 23 Oct 2014

Aerial view from Jeff Herring’s balcony, Arthur Millwood Court. 23 Oct 2014.

23 Oct Aerial view of Salford/Manchester border, just south of The Salford Wall

It’s not just history, but also uncertainty that’s embedded in The Salford Wall – its status vis-à-vis the land, how much time it has left. This, alongside funding worries, was at the root of the instability throughout 2014.  It opened with the anxiety of not knowing when or if the demolition works were going to re-commence. When the call finally came (after 5 months of limbo) it was a sudden case of now.  It’s been a constant though ever-changing now ever since, especially now sharing the site with Vimto Gardens’ overflow.

19 Nov before hoarding taken down

It is however only by this uncertainty that The Salford Wall exists.  Flipped around, it isn’t uncertainty but possibility.

While these fundamental instabilities are still yet to be resolved, heading into 2015, I’ve a much stronger sense of how to proceed.  It’s going to require substantial efforts with fundraising, communications and community organisation.  If anyone is up for getting involved (any and all help is more than welcome), please do let me know.

In the meantime, I hope to be posting more about the backdrop to all this, the urgency behind why I am fighting so hard to protect a possibility.  The Salford Wall will be rebuilt.

14 Oct // 22 Oct with Sofia, Valia, Lauren, Vin, Liam and Carl (Galliford Try)  // 30 Oct

19 Nov // 22 Nov // 27 Nov Jen turning in the fluoro bricks to prevent further fading

30 Nov 2014, surrounded by Vimto overflow