A dark street in Scarborough with an illuminated sign in a shop window that reads: 'Perch'
A dark street in Scarborough with an illuminated sign in a shop window that reads: 'Perch'
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
Various Locations Scarborough Town Centre
Produced by ARCADE
NOVEMBER 2023
Unsung places, memorable locations, and recollections of local people, celebrated in a series of illuminated text artworks - designed and created with artist Adrian Riley, produced by ARCADE. These are the town centre places we'd hang out as kids, or the location of a first kiss, perhaps the meet up spot for a night on the town... anywhere special in our lives deserves to be celebrated, and we're going to light it up!
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Local groups and individuals were invited to reveal their favourite Scarborough places and the accompanying personal stories through discussions, workshops, and walking tours – sharing why certain locations were important to their generation.
The stories inspired the creation of six bright and colourful text artworks – each taking the form of illuminated, visual signage in a variety of glitzy styles that have become synonymous with Scarborough. The artworks form a trail for fellow residents and visitors to follow, with each artwork also providing access to further information about its location, the story behind it, and what can also be seen and experienced within a few steps.
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Voice Artist
Hayley Marie Jacobs
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LOCATIONS
1. Brunswick / Bus Stops
2. Mr E Escape Rooms
3. Twenty Two Bar Street
4. Explore Indie / Grind Coffee
5. Furniture Works
6. Mandy Apple Gallery
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To access all accompanying audio and transcripts remotely, please see links below (spoiler alert!)
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Adrian Riley is an artist-designer working with words in public places. From his 'electric angel' studio in Scarborough he has created text-based public artworks across the UK including permanent work in Leeds, Newcastle, Nottingham and Hull, and closer to home with commissions from English Heritage, the RSPB and NHS. Inspired by place and the words of the people who live there, his work is often created in collaboration with local residents as well as regularly working in partnership with other artists and writers. Recent commissions have included a 35m long text work carved into stone paving leading to the entrance of Grimsby Minster, and a collaboration with the Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage, at Brimham Rocks near Harrogate commissioned by The National Trust.
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The Signs of the Times project has been commissioned by the Town Centre Team in Scarborough and is funded by the Yorkshire Coast BID.
Please support independent traders - here are some businesses close to our illuminated signs.
Coffee and Cake that help your local independent makers.
One stop shop for all things bike.
Spanish inspired eatery, deli and wine shop.
Ideas come to life at the Crafty Creations Cafe.
Feature Lighting for your Home.
Distinctive furniture, creating something unique, saving furniture from landfill and supporting the local community.
Beach Hut Creations and Tearoom
Handmade gifts and a Tearoom of homemade treats.
The Stephen Joseph Theatre is an independent theatre and cinema which is all about great nights out. The SJT hosts theatre, cinema, comedy, music and more six nights a week.
Award Winning Gift Boutique - Gifts That Inspire, Uplift & Delight.