commissioned by: Sultrans and The Two Tunnel Group

permanent installation: Bath

opening – Summer 2013

collaborators:  concept & design – United Visual Artists, music – Mira Calix

instrumentation: violin -Daniel Pioro – Violencello – Zoe Martlew

Passage is a permanent installation set commission by Sultrans for the reinstituted Combe Down railway tunnel, which connects Midford and Bath Queen Square in what is now the longest cycling tunnel in Britain at 1,672 meters.

UVA have worked closely with award winning composer Mira Calix, taking physical and historical consideration of the late 19th century passage to construct unique installations for 20 alcoves which span the central third of the tunnel.

It was important for both UVA and Calix to create a unique ambience for each alcove or ‘refuge’, both referencing and assisting a journey. The installation takes form as cast iron ‘sentinels’, referencing traditional locomotive reflector lamps, each emitting a variation of tonal light accompanied by a unique compositional score, which will awaken and respond to passers by, aiming to “influence the tempo of the journey”.

http://thecreatorsproject.vice.com/blog/augmenting-a-disused-railway-tunnel-with-sound-and-light