Elm wood, felt, foam, a basket of Kit Kats, and an enlarged digital print of a vintage postcard

 

After visiting the Lion Salt Works I felt a deep respect for the work undertaken there. Not only were the conditions harsh – hot, steamy, dangerous, and relentless through being open 24 hours a day, but the labour was also paid as piece work. This is a system by which the worker is paid for what they produce only, no matter the length of time it takes, something still present in the UK today.

 

It made me reflect on the Working Time Regulations Act 1998 that made it law to have work breaks when working over a certain period of time.

 

This work is an outcome of these thoughts. What may look like a high design piece of furniture is actually the overall form of a Salt Tub, used by Lump Men within hot houses like the Lion Salt Works to pack up crystallised salt ready to be dried.

 

My hope is the offer of a Kit Kat and a comfy seat lure you in for a pew and then whilst you're sat there, the enlarged vintage postcard tells you a story on what hard work was and can be.

​

Commissioned as lead artist by the University of Chester and Hamilton Projects as part of SALTATION.