BUILDING a history of a Barnsley industry is the aim behind a new project from artist Patrick Murphy.
Patrick, 48, from Darfield, was inspired to start the Barnsley Brick Project by three bricks in his father’s back garden.
Engraved with the names Wombwell, Stairfoot and Darfield, Patrick began to explore the history of their production in the borough.
And his work has been transformed into an exhibition for the Experience Barnsley Museum later this year.
Patrick, who was behind the recent Neon River laser art installation in the skies above the town, said: “It looks at the history of brick production in Barnsley from its beginnings right up to current day with Carlton Bricks, based at Grimethorpe, and what’s happened in those 150 years.
“As an artist I will be manufacturing about 100 bricks myself and working with poet Ian McMillan on contemporary words for the new bricks.
“I got a few bricks from working with Barnsley Archives and had a lot of photos sent in through Twitter.
“I’m going to get their bricks for the exhibition and should have represented a brick from every village which had a brick works.”
Film and archive photography will also form part of the final exhibition.
“A lot of it has really been a learning experience and part of that is people can follow the project and learn too. I do a lot of work outside Barnsley so it has been good to come back and do a project in the town.”
For more information on the Barnsley Brick Project, visit patrickmurphystudio.co.uk
There is a free workshop based around the project taking place at Experience Barnsley on March 17, 11-12pm and 1-2pm. Book through hearmyvoice@barnsley.gov.uk
The exhibition is set to run from mid-July to October.
