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Turning The Place Over
Derelict building to work of art
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifhttp://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/image..._wilson203.jpg
The work has been created in a derelict multi-storey building
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/...ashed_line.gif
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/...video_text.gifThe moving building
A derelict multi-storey building has become a major work of art in Liverpool city centre.
An 8m (26ft) diameter egg-shape cut from the front of a former Yates's Wine Lodge opposite Moorfields Station has been made to oscillate on an axis.
The piece - titled "Turning the Place Over" - has been created by sculptor Richard Wilson for Liverpool's Capital of Culture Year.
It will remain in place until spring 2008 when the building is demolished.
Richard Wilson is known for his works on architectural canvases which draw heavily for their inspiration from the worlds of engineering and construction.
He has twice been nominated for the Turner Prize.
Mr Wilson said: "I've taken an empty property and by tweaking it with a very clever sculpture idea and a very excellent team of engineers we've been able to animate the material of architecture.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/image..._wilson203.jpg Mr Wilson has twice been nominated for the Turner Prize
"We don't often associate these materials with movement but we've made a piece of architecture as an event or as a performance to attract people's attention and prove that Liverpool will be the centre of culture in 2008.
The revolving facade of the building rests on a specially designed giant rotator, usually used in the shipping and nuclear industries, and acts as a huge opening and closing window, offering recurrent glimpses of the interior during its constant cycle during daylight hours.
Co-commissioned by the Liverpool Culture Company and Liverpool Biennial, the work has been co-funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency and The Northern Way.
Councillor Warren Bradley, leader of Liverpool City Council said: "In 2008 works of art that turn people's heads and get them talking will be a major part of the city's cultural programme."
Lewis Biggs, director of Liverpool Biennial added: "It's a dream come true to be able to realise this fabulous artwork in Liverpool, and in the most appropriate context imaginable. "Turning the Place Over will be remembered and celebrated for as long as people's jaws are capable of dropping."
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