18 April 2012
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The Library of Birmingham has launched Reference Works: a major
photography commission in which four leading photographers will
make visual responses to the current Central Library building and
to the build, transition and relocation to the new Library of
Birmingham.
Established by Birmingham City Council to
reflect and record this momentous event in the city’s cultural
history, the project – supported by the Arts Council - represents
the largest and most significant photography commission ever
undertaken in Birmingham. The resulting works will go on display in
the new Library of Birmingham when it opens in 2013.
Capita Symonds, which is project and cost
managing the new £188.8m Library of Birmingham, is also supporting
the project.
The four commissioned photographers are
Michael Collins, Brian Griffin, Andrew Lacon and Stuart Whipps.
Three of the artists will focus on the buildings and their
contents, while one, Brian Griffin, will focus on portraits of
people linked to the building project. The work of all four
photographers will be shown in the first exhibition in the new
Library of Birmingham Gallery in September 2013. There will also be
a related exhibition of photographs drawn from the Library’s
internationally renowned archives charting the history of
Birmingham’s libraries and an accompanying book. Some of the work
will also be presented on digital displays and interactive screens
built into the fabric of the new Library of Birmingham.
The Library of Birmingham is also working in
partnership with Birmingham City University to manage and deliver a
mentoring programme linked to the large scale commission.
Five new and emerging artists will be mentored by the leading
photographers and project managers over an 18 month period to
enhance their professional practice, knowledge and skills.
The young photographers will also make individual bodies of work
about the old and new library buildings that will be exhibited in
conjunction with the main gallery show.
... We are confident that the work will be significant not only to us, but to other photography institutions and collections at home and abroad, and that touring the show will help cement Birmingham’s place as an international centre for photography...
Brian Gambles, Assistant Director of Culture
at Birmingham Library and Archive Services, said: “We’re thrilled
to be able to launch this commission which will record a great
moment in Birmingham’s history, celebrating the new library
building and the people who make it happen. These new photographs,
taken by illustrious artists, will serve as a great record for the
people of Birmingham for generations to come. We are also pleased
to be able to nurture new photographic talent through our
collaboration with Birmingham City University, and we look forward
to welcoming visitors through the library’s doors to see the
photographs of all these artists on show in 2013.”
Pete James, Head of Photographs at Birmingham
Library and Archive Services, said: “We’re really excited about
Reference Works, which is the largest and most significant
photography commission project yet undertaken in Birmingham. The
differing approaches employed by the four commissioned
photographers will give a richness and diversity to the project,
enabling current and future generations to explore this historical
moment from a variety of creative perspectives. The new works by
Michael Collins, Brian Griffin, Andrew Lacon and Stuart Whipps will
be tremendous additions to our collection. We are confident that
the work will be significant not only to us, but to other
photography institutions and collections at home and abroad, and
that touring the show will help cement Birmingham’s place as an
international centre for photography.”
Reference Works has been made possible with
the help of a £62,000 grant from Arts Council of England and
partnership support from Birmingham City University. Further
sponsorship for the project has come from Capita Symonds,
Carillion, Mecanoo and The Flash Centre, Birmingham.
The commission is led by Birmingham Library
and Archives Services’ Photography Department who have a successful
record commissioning contemporary photography, curating
exhibitions, developing private and public sector partnerships, and
managing the institutions massive historical photography
archive. In 2006 the archive was awarded Designated Status by
the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council in recognition of its
national and international importance. The department has an
established track record of commissioning and acquiring new
creative photography about the city and this project is another
example of this vital work.
Photo one Michael Collins, photo two Brian Griffin, photo three
Stuart Whipps, photo four Andrew Lacon