This footage was taken at Pilgrim Street's decommissioned Fire Station Headquarters in Newcastle upon Tyne (built 1933). It is part of a two year project. Other works from the project can be seen on my website at MichelleHobby.com in portfolio's Intersection and Transmutation.

There are over one hundred rooms in this decommissioned fire station designed to support all aspects of a fireman's working life, including administrative offices, bars, canteens and dorms.

However, during the project I became increasingly drawn to the power centre of the building 'The Chief's Office'. Although it is now empty‚ there is still a strong presence - as if it is still performing. I have framed it to emphasis this stage-ness, it could quite easily be mistaken for a set.

It is a conclusion to the Pilgrim Street Fire Station project. The video draws on photography in the form of the static shot. It is animated with the subtle time shifts of light from the window and the haunting lights in the room switching on and off.

The sound was created with a combination of noises recorded on the shoot and a cello piece. The video is created to loop, and be exhibited as a projection, as close to scale as possible to enhance the emersion in the dislocated place.


2010