A temporary artwork has been installed in Seascale today (Friday, 12 April).
Chronos Kairos, 23:59, an artwork by British artist Ryan Gander was installed on Seascale Water Tower.
The artwork is made from machined stainless steel and explores the complexities and experience of time. The sculpture is based on a clock design but does not move and appears to have been made twice. Alongside its own charm, the proximity of the water tower to the coastal railway enables the artwork to be placed close to the train station, another site of schedules and time-keeping.
Chronos Kairos, 23:59, is one of a series of artworks being unveiled to offer additional points of interest along the Cumbrian Coast as part of Cumberland Council’s coastal programme funded by the UK Government’s Coastal Communities Fund and Sellafield Ltd’s Six Social Impact Multiplied programme.
The artwork will remain in place until the end of 2024.
Darren Crossley, Cumberland Council’s Director of Place Sustainable Growth and Transport said:
“The coastal programme aims to strengthen the coastal destination offer for both residents and visitors and increase sustainable employment opportunities by shining the spotlight on Cumbria’s largely undiscovered stretch of coastline.
“Public art adds yet another dimension to the coast, which already offers striking natural and industrial landscapes, including the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites - the Lake District National Park and Hadrian’s Wall. It’s where the mountains meet the sea, where dunes offer shelter, where there is an abundance of wildlife and where history can be uncovered.
“Seascale Water Tower is a great location for this temporary installation and has been made possible by the kind permission of Seascale Parish Council.”
Speaking about the artwork, Ryan Gander added:
“What is interesting is that ‘time', like mortality, is one of those huge powerful mysteries that we've not yet worked out. It's also a very universal subject because anyone from any culture understands mortality and understands the mystery of time.”
In addition to the Ryan Gander sculpture, Cumberland Council has supported Lake District National Park Authority with the development of the Eskdale Trail, featuring local artist Chris Brammell. The council is working with other partners and will be revealing further smaller-scale commissioned artworks during 2024 installed in various coastal locations, with the next installation to be revealed in Whitehaven later in spring.