I was lucky enough to work on this commission with Colette Whittington, responding to the Tyneside Cinema’s Archive Collection. We created two installation entitled ‘Junior (Experimental) Film Club’ and ‘Lantern Projections’, which respond to the respective collections of film programmes produced by young people in the 1930-50’s and the collection of glass lantern slides which advertised products and cinema jobs before the feature films. 

Our approach to the cinema archives was pretty open, preferring the stories to emerge as we immersed ourselves in them. However, a clear focus presented itself to us naturally as we explored; the many voices of the cinema’s people, the fabric and DNA of the cinema resonated loudly. These works pay homage to those people”

As part of our research we also ran a number of print Making and animation workshops with the staff which was a great way to meet everyone and get to know more about the cinema.

Tyneside Cinema’s Archive Commissions also feature audio-visual works by Adina Nelu which will play before main feature films, and a series of beautiful poster prints from Sofia Barton, all on display in the cinema now. Tyneside Cinema Archive Commissions are supported with public funding by Arts Council England.