Rednile Projects, Factory Commissions, Crabtree & Co Proposal
Project Name: The Queen’s visit
Medium: Live event
Concept
I intend to facilitate the visit of a Queen look alike to take part in the launch of the Crabtree & Co Factory book at the Lyndon House Hotel. The Queens upcoming Diamond Jubilee and her past visit to the factory in 1962 inspired my idea. The Queens appearance will mark 50 years since her first visit and I intend to signify this with a plaque that her majesty will unveil. I feel an impressive event will attract lots of publicity raising the profile locally and nationally of Crabtree & Co achievements in design and manufacturing. In times of austerity it is said that royal events lift the spirits of the people.
Format
I have specifically chosen the Lyndon House Hotel as the Crabtree Society are planning a book launch at the venue. To make this project happen I plan to organise and facilitate the visit, working closely with the Crabtree Society. I intend to follow royal protocol, and research further into the management of the event at the factory in 1962. A plaque commemorating both visits will be located on site. The design will incorporate a Crabtree & Co switch that illuminates the piece, which the Queen will switch on.
Public Engagement
The event will be locally promoted through radio, TV, and press with an open invitation for the public to attend. As a way of documenting my research for this project I have published a blog on a-n website and I would like to develop social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook to promote the event. During the visit there will be a number of opportunities for the public to see the Queen look alike and participate in the event such as the grand entrance, book launch, unveiling the plaque, finally leaving the hotel. To encourage participation in the royal visit we will provide flags for people to use.
Factory Outlet Multiple
This project is primarily based around the live event. Although I do feel a commemorative item such as a limited edition print with a photograph from the day would make a suitable multiple.
Your reasons for doing this
For the past two years I have been hosting small events in semi public spaces. However, I want the event focus to be on the Crabtree & Co legacy, and to develop my experience in performance making on a large scale. I have shown my work at micro live art events although at this stage in my career I want to work towards a public event with the support of the society and Rednile Projects. My work can challenge the rules of performance, however in this piece I intend to follow royal protocol to give the event authenticity with a sense of humour. My performances are one off events although I would like to develop my practice to produce items of memorabilia. This commission will give me the opportunity to produce a multiple and a commemorative plaque creating a legacy for the work.
Artist Work
Showreel, YouTube link: http://youtu.be/f4U9hQL2sCQ
