Lesser Known Architecture, various locations around Exeter, Monday 16 to Sunday 22nd September
Words by Laura Potter
Absorbed in a latent print, I’ve often found myself in that isle of WhSmith beholding what I have strong reason to believe is the next undisclosed piece of secret Isca. To the right and beyond the rows of Ideal Home, lays the occasional encyclopaedia of old and new, pre and post conflict Exeter streetscapes.
Lesser Known Architecture is an ongoing nationwide research project that celebrates overlooked or forgotten architectural forms. The project documents buildings, structures and concepts that defined their time, inspiring future architectural visions and technologies, and yet remain unknown to the general public. The project takes place as part of Unexpected 2013 (16th September – 22nd September), a new festival for Exeter captivating performance and art out from venues and into unanticipated locations across the city.
Earlier this year in June and July, Lesser Known Architecture immersed London in ten of the City’s most under-appreciated buildings. Under-appreciated number one is a collection of delicately arranged arcade ‘malls’ above Tube stations. Seldom noticed by today’s commuters, Underground HQ 55 Broadway above St James’s Park Tube offers bronze signage and Art Deco in abundance. Most notably, under-appreciated number two is effectively a Tardis come oversized garden shed. Formally named a Cabmen’s Shelter, these Grade II listed enigmatic structures served honest refreshments to an army of horse-drawn cab drivers, keeping scores away from the public house and off the gin.
Ambiguously, the announcement of artwork locations for Lesser Known Architecture remains loosely tied to six named expanses:
– Cowick Street, outside St. Thomas Rail Station
– South Street, near Western Way
– Fore Street, junction of South Street
– Queen Street, opposite Central Rail Station
– Sidwell Street, corner of Cheeke Street
– Sidwell Street, outside Odeon Cinema
Whilst it’s difficult to envisage Doctor Who’s time warp grounded on the Old Tivvy Rd/Sidwell St roundabout, Sheffield artist Theo Simpson’s aim is clear.
Lesser Known Architecture remembers the existence of such works as well as the architects, artists and engineers behind their masterpieces.
New photographs commissioned for this presentation of the project are exhibited alongside original works at locations across Exeter city centre commonly used for advertising, such as bus shelters and free standing advertising boards. Encouraging wider engagement with our built environment, the project initiates public examination of our everyday experiences and surroundings within their social and political contexts.
Printed guides containing information about the artworks, and suggested routes to visit all six locations are available during the festival from partner venues, tourist information centres, and Unexpected festival locations and artwork locations.
Unexpected 2013 is a new festival for Exeter, featuring a range of free and affordable ticketed events for everyone. Opening with a bang on Sunday 15 September from noon-8pm, Unexpected will host a free day of sports, music and street theatre on Exeter Quay and Piazza Terracina culminating in pyrotechnics on the river. A family day out, a chance to have a go and perhaps take up a new activity.
Theo Simpson, Lesser Known Architecture, is a co-production between a consortium of four organisations in Exeter, comprising Spacex, Exeter Phoenix, RAMM and CCANW with support from Exeter City Council and Arts Council England.