SeaScapes: Sound Mirrors — Co/Lab Sunderland

soundmirror

soundmirror.xyz

Partner Organisations: University of Sunderland, Clavering Primary School, Heugh Battery Museum

Creative Practitioners: Rob Smith, Shelly Knotts, Tim Shaw

Researchers and Experts: Robin Daniels, Tees Archaeology; Hannah Fishburn, OASES (Outdoor and Sustainability Education Specialists).

Participants: Pupils at Clavering Primary School, visitors to Heugh Battery Museum, community volunteers through Tees Archaeology.

Co/Lab Curator: Dr. Suzy O’Hara

Documentation: Colin Davison (photography), Alan Fentiman (videography) and Lottie Steele (audio).

soundmirror is a participatory artwork that listens to and reflects the soundscapes of coastal environments through the sites of First World War sound mirrors in the north east today.

The online artwork created by Rob Smith invites people to add to a database of sounds and examines how ‘listening’ to the contemporary coastal environment can enable the site of the sound mirror to emerge from the intersection of technologies and shared histories.

By questioning what the sound mirror’s continuing role in the contemporary landscape is, soundmirror creates a space that can enable connections with the site of the mirror to expand beyond simply being an historic location.

Contribute to Rob Smith’s soundmirror digital artwork by visiting soundmirror.xyz

Sound Mirror, podcast

Artist Rob Smith talks about the digital artwork that has developed from this project and how ‘listening’ to the contemporary coastal environment can enable the site of the sound mirror to emerge from the intersection of technologies and shared histories. By questioning the sound mirror’s continuing role in the contemporary landscape, Soundmirror creates a space that can enable engagement with the archaeological site of the Clavering sound mirror to expand it beyond simply being an historic location.

soundmirrors by Rob Smith

Primary School Education Pack

An education pack aimed at Key Stage 2, with some that could be adapted for Key Stage 1. Bursting with fun, fact based activities that help students explore these intriguing sound technology structures through a historical, scientific, and art lens.