Operationally the logistics required to make Open Bridges happen presented many challenges. Every challenge was overcome and when the city had separated and reunited, and the vessels sailed out into the darkness of the Humber, the world premiere of John Stead’s new musique concrète work took place before a capacity audience at Hull’s Stage at the Dock. Thanks to Cathy Allenby for capturing our opening welcome to the performance:
The last pieces of the jigsaw are the film that Humber Film have made of the event, with a new soundtrack by composer John Stead, and the exhibition which will open on December 9th.
The first screening of the film will take place at Kardomah94 on December 9th along with the film from Octovision Media featuring drone footage from the night sky, and Les Drake’s view from the Pickle. This will be followed by the opening of the exhibition in Scale Lane Bridge. Capacity is limited at both venues so we’ll be sending invitations to the launch to all those involved in, and who supported Open Bridges. Details of the exhibition opening times will follow.
Open Bridges was brought together by a terrific team of people. The main event took place on Friday September 22nd 2017 – the autumnal equinox – during the flood tide. For the first time in the city’s history all 13 bridges over the River Hull – swing bridges, bascule bridges, foot bridges and the railway bridge all swung, raised or closed to traffic separating Hull in two at 20:17 hours before reuniting the city – as a real and symbolic act creating a public debate about the meaning of freedom and freedom of movement denied. Three beautiful historic vessels representing three centuries were met by powerful 21st century tugs on the Humber Estuary celebrating the River Hull, the lifeblood of the city.
Thanks to photographer Piotr Korczynski who took these photographs. Click on an image to enlarge the photo and scroll through
Open Bridges: For the first time in the city’s history all 13 of Hull’s bridges raised, swung or closed simultaneously splitting the city in two at 20:17 hours on the autumnal equinox 2017 during Hull City of Culture’s Freedom Season.Open Bridges is a whole tapestry of threads, a celebration of the lifeblood of the city, the River Hull and its 13 movable bridges – more than any other city. Beautiful historic vessels representing three centuries – 18th century HMS Pickle, 19th century Humber Keel Comrade and 20th century MV Syntan mustered on the River Hull, met on the Humber by powerful 21st century tugs from SMS Towage and Svitzer. Open Bridges is an exploration of the notion of freedom during the City of Culture’s Freedom Season featuring the live world premiere of John Stead’s new musical work, Moments in Time.
Open Bridges is an independent all Hull based project by Duffy-Howard Music taking place during the Hull City of Culture Freedom Season. We are delighted that every aspect of planning and delivery of Open Bridges is by people in Hull.
Rich & Lou Duffy-Howard
#OpenBridgesHull