Tides, Wind and Sails
Context
The island of Rathlin and its mainland port of Ballycastle on the north-eastern coast of Co. Antrim are linked by one of the most challenging tidal waters of Northern Europe: the Street of Moyle. These difficult sea conditions together with high winds and scarce natural resources have shaped generations of highly skilled seafarers, fishermen and boatsmen. Their boats of choice were Drontheims and Rathlin Schallops, both of which developed from Norwegian style yawls, introduced in the late 1700s. These open-decked boats were the life- and communication lines between Ballycastle, Rathlin and costal regions further afield. Their handling required an intricate knowledge of the climatic conditions and the ever-changing tidal currents in the Street of Moyle. A wealth of names, terms and mythology inevitably developed alongside the intricate skills of local seamanship. With the introduction of powerful engine boats and high-tech communications, however, much of these ancient seafaring skills are now in decline and much of the old terminology is in danger of being lost forever. Many of the age-old names of currents, rocks and inlets preserve the unique dialect of Irish-Gaeilge spoken in this region which went with the last native Irish speaker of Northern Ireland, Bella McCurdy, a native of Rathlin. Besides the cultural heritage, this costal region is also renown for the rich diversity of seabirds. Colonies of various auk varieties, fulmars and gulls breed on the dramatic cliffs of Fair Head and Rathlin.
Artistic Concept
The proposed sculpture works for Ballycastle and Rathlin draw from the rich maritime heritage described above and celebrate the elements that have determined the lives of generations of local communities: wind and tides. Both locations are intrinsically linked by their common maritime culture, similar weather and sea conditions and, most significantly, the Street of Moyle. The context for both works are the iconic rigging and spritsails of the Drontheims which serve as a ‘blanc canvas’ for imagery relating to wind and water - a large visual area to be filled with tidal charts, meteorological maps, place names and the rich texture of waves and feathers. Local folklore and knowledge of the sea and wind will be used for texts on the sculptures’s surfaces together with local placenames.
Technical Specifications
The dimensions of the sail sculptures are determined by the proportions of the traditional rigging and the height limitation set by the client. Overall dimensions of both sculptures are 12ft (4m) high x 21ft (7m) long x 1.5m (5ft) wide. Sizes of individual sail elements vary from 3m to 4m in height and 2.5m to 3m in length. The average thickness of the sails varies from 4mm to 10mm in case of the steel and from 10mm to 18mm for the bronze. The total static ground load of the work is approx. 2.0 tons each. Font heights of the raised lettering 25mm (1”) and 32mm (1.5”).
Foundations: 7.5m x 2.5m x 0.40m concrete slab foundations with 12mm re-bar cage, poured in situ and compacted to 330kg/m3. Assuming reasonable ground conditions as stated in the brief.
Materials
The choice of material reflects metals that are associated with maritime use: bronze as the traditional choice for maritime fittings and stainless and Cor-ten steel as rugged materials of modern ferries, vessels and shipping containers. A strong visual contrast is achieved by combining Cor-ten and raised stainless cut-outs on one piece and patinated bronze in combination with highly polished elements on the other. All materials - Cor-ten, 316 stainless and LG3 bronze - have proven durability in the harsh conditions of costal and maritime environments.
The suggested setting for the work in Cor-ten is Ballycastle with it connotations as a modern commercial ferry port (Rathlin and Campbelltown ferries) while Rathlin has a stronger association with traditional boats and yachts, providing an appropriate setting for work in bronze. This choice, however, is open to discussion and alternatives of two works either in bronze or steel only to be considered. Recycled resources together with regenerative and carbon-neutral fuels and materials will be used where appropriate and possible in all the processes at my own studio. A full environmental impact study (EIS) will be provided as part of the end-of-project report.
Foundations and Installation
The structures will be fixed to a pre-installed reinforced concrete slab foundations. The foundation will be 0.20m below ground level to be covered with soil and lawn turf after installation. An alternative option is a basalt base or alternative paving material level with the ground. A wide base-plate and gussets on each sail will distribute wind loads evenly over the foundation area. All fixings will be A4 grade stainless steel in combination with safety shear-nuts. A structural engineers report by Donal Lynch of Horgan Lynch Ltd., Cork will be provided.
The work will be transported to the locations by the fabricator and foundry. For the installation in Ballycastle, a Hiab with 12m reach will be used. Depending on available access, temporary lane closure may be required (early morning hours). Installation on Rathlin will be eased by the modular nature of the work and the sails can be transported individually by a 5m flatbed trailer to the island. A compact 10m telehandler will be used for lifting the work. Advice on access and ferry limitations has been taken from Rathlin Ferries Ltd.
Location
For the Ballycastle piece (Cor-ten and stainless steel) and the theme of wind and wings: on grass area adjacent to the fountain opposite the Marine Hotel. Alternative location at the former play area.
For the Rathlin Island piece (patinated and polished bronze) and the theme of tides and waves: above the beach south of the harbour facilities block, approx. 2m behind the wall. Alternatively at the grass area between the Boathouse and the boat storage/old slipway close to the road.
All suggested sites are within reach of electrical services in case optional lighting of the work is considered. If chosen, I am open to suggestions by the client or the communities regarding the final siting of the work.
Public Health and Safety
Neither the bronze or steel sculptures present direct health hazards to humans or any risk to aquatic life. The work is proposed to be level with the ground can not be easily climbed. Any protrusions will have smooth edges (min. 3mm radius) and corners (min. 6mm radius). Bases and foundations are sufficiently dimensioned to withstand high wind loads. Risk Assessments, Method Statements and a Environmental Impact Studie will be provided as required. Sub-contractors ill be required to hold appropriate public liability and product liability insurance.
Maintenance Requirements
The chosen materials are proven in both urban and in harsh maritime environments and are reasonably resistant to vandalism and damage. The work itself will require no other maintenance beyond occasional cleaning with water and annual check of the electrical installations. Graffiti on bronze can be removed with appropriate cleaning products. A design life in excess of a hundred years can be expected of both the works. All luminaires are fitted with long-life bulbs.
Lighting Option
HPS street lamps are present in close distance the work, both in Ballycastle and in the Rathlin harbour area. Their light range tends to visually flatten texture and form and sculpture work would gain from a degree of up-lighting. The proposal would benefit from individual lighting. Heavy-duty Bega luminaires would be the recommended choice for both works. Whilst the texture of the bronze sculpture and the cold-rolled surface of the steel reduce any reflections and possible distraction for road users, the Road Services and the MCA would be consulted regarding any risk to navigation and road users if lighting is considered. Specification: 6x Bega 8609 drive-over in ground floodlight luminaries per sculpture with 35W power consumption each (total consumption of both pieces 420W). All fittings and installations are compliant with Safety Class III and IP67. Additional funds would need to be sought for this lighting option (see budget).
Tides, Wind and Sails
Context
The island of Rathlin and its mainland port of Ballycastle on the north-eastern coast of Co. Antrim are linked by one of the most challenging tidal waters of Northern Europe: the Street of Moyle. These difficult sea conditions together with high winds and scarce natural resources have shaped generations of highly skilled seafarers, fishermen and boatsmen. Their boats of choice were Drontheims and Rathlin Schallops, both of which developed from Norwegian style yawls, introduced in the late 1700s. These open-decked boats were the life- and communication lines between Ballycastle, Rathlin and costal regions further afield. Their handling required an intricate knowledge of the climatic conditions and the ever-changing tidal currents in the Street of Moyle. A wealth of names, terms and mythology inevitably developed alongside the intricate skills of local seamanship. With the introduction of powerful engine boats and high-tech communications, however, much of these ancient seafaring skills are now in decline and much of the old terminology is in danger of being lost forever. Many of the age-old names of currents, rocks and inlets preserve the unique dialect of Irish-Gaeilge spoken in this region which went with the last native Irish speaker of Northern Ireland, Bella McCurdy, a native of Rathlin. Besides the cultural heritage, this costal region is also renown for the rich diversity of seabirds. Colonies of various auk varieties, fulmars and gulls breed on the dramatic cliffs of Fair Head and Rathlin.
Artistic Concept
The proposed sculpture works for Ballycastle and Rathlin draw from the rich maritime heritage described above and celebrate the elements that have determined the lives of generations of local communities: wind and tides. Both locations are intrinsically linked by their common maritime culture, similar weather and sea conditions and, most significantly, the Street of Moyle. The context for both works are the iconic rigging and spritsails of the Drontheims which serve as a ‘blanc canvas’ for imagery relating to wind and water - a large visual area to be filled with tidal charts, meteorological maps, place names and the rich texture of waves and feathers. Local folklore and knowledge of the sea and wind will be used for texts on the sculptures’s surfaces together with local placenames.
Technical Specifications
The dimensions of the sail sculptures are determined by the proportions of the traditional rigging and the height limitation set by the client. Overall dimensions of both sculptures are 12ft (4m) high x 21ft (7m) long x 1.5m (5ft) wide. Sizes of individual sail elements vary from 3m to 4m in height and 2.5m to 3m in length. The average thickness of the sails varies from 4mm to 10mm in case of the steel and from 10mm to 18mm for the bronze. The total static ground load of the work is approx. 2.0 tons each. Font heights of the raised lettering 25mm (1”) and 32mm (1.5”).
Foundations: 7.5m x 2.5m x 0.40m concrete slab foundations with 12mm re-bar cage, poured in situ and compacted to 330kg/m3. Assuming reasonable ground conditions as stated in the brief.
Materials
The choice of material reflects metals that are associated with maritime use: bronze as the traditional choice for maritime fittings and stainless and Cor-ten steel as rugged materials of modern ferries, vessels and shipping containers. A strong visual contrast is achieved by combining Cor-ten and raised stainless cut-outs on one piece and patinated bronze in combination with highly polished elements on the other. All materials - Cor-ten, 316 stainless and LG3 bronze - have proven durability in the harsh conditions of costal and maritime environments.
The suggested setting for the work in Cor-ten is Ballycastle with it connotations as a modern commercial ferry port (Rathlin and Campbelltown ferries) while Rathlin has a stronger association with traditional boats and yachts, providing an appropriate setting for work in bronze. This choice, however, is open to discussion and alternatives of two works either in bronze or steel only to be considered. Recycled resources together with regenerative and carbon-neutral fuels and materials will be used where appropriate and possible in all the processes at my own studio. A full environmental impact study (EIS) will be provided as part of the end-of-project report.
Foundations and Installation
The structures will be fixed to a pre-installed reinforced concrete slab foundations. The foundation will be 0.20m below ground level to be covered with soil and lawn turf after installation. An alternative option is a basalt base or alternative paving material level with the ground. A wide base-plate and gussets on each sail will distribute wind loads evenly over the foundation area. All fixings will be A4 grade stainless steel in combination with safety shear-nuts. A structural engineers report by Donal Lynch of Horgan Lynch Ltd., Cork will be provided.
The work will be transported to the locations by the fabricator and foundry. For the installation in Ballycastle, a Hiab with 12m reach will be used. Depending on available access, temporary lane closure may be required (early morning hours). Installation on Rathlin will be eased by the modular nature of the work and the sails can be transported individually by a 5m flatbed trailer to the island. A compact 10m telehandler will be used for lifting the work. Advice on access and ferry limitations has been taken from Rathlin Ferries Ltd.
Location
For the Ballycastle piece (Cor-ten and stainless steel) and the theme of wind and wings: on grass area adjacent to the fountain opposite the Marine Hotel. Alternative location at the former play area.
For the Rathlin Island piece (patinated and polished bronze) and the theme of tides and waves: above the beach south of the harbour facilities block, approx. 2m behind the wall. Alternatively at the grass area between the Boathouse and the boat storage/old slipway close to the road.
All suggested sites are within reach of electrical services in case optional lighting of the work is considered. If chosen, I am open to suggestions by the client or the communities regarding the final siting of the work.
Public Health and Safety
Neither the bronze or steel sculptures present direct health hazards to humans or any risk to aquatic life. The work is proposed to be level with the ground can not be easily climbed. Any protrusions will have smooth edges (min. 3mm radius) and corners (min. 6mm radius). Bases and foundations are sufficiently dimensioned to withstand high wind loads. Risk Assessments, Method Statements and a Environmental Impact Studie will be provided as required. Sub-contractors ill be required to hold appropriate public liability and product liability insurance.
Maintenance Requirements
The chosen materials are proven in both urban and in harsh maritime environments and are reasonably resistant to vandalism and damage. The work itself will require no other maintenance beyond occasional cleaning with water and annual check of the electrical installations. Graffiti on bronze can be removed with appropriate cleaning products. A design life in excess of a hundred years can be expected of both the works. All luminaires are fitted with long-life bulbs.
Lighting Option
HPS street lamps are present in close distance the work, both in Ballycastle and in the Rathlin harbour area. Their light range tends to visually flatten texture and form and sculpture work would gain from a degree of up-lighting. The proposal would benefit from individual lighting. Heavy-duty Bega luminaires would be the recommended choice for both works. Whilst the texture of the bronze sculpture and the cold-rolled surface of the steel reduce any reflections and possible distraction for road users, the Road Services and the MCA would be consulted regarding any risk to navigation and road users if lighting is considered. Specification: 6x Bega 8609 drive-over in ground floodlight luminaries per sculpture with 35W power consumption each (total consumption of both pieces 420W). All fittings and installations are compliant with Safety Class III and IP67. Additional funds would need to be sought for this lighting option (see budget).